Job Description Post Title Post Number: Service Area / Department SDU Accountable To (Line Manager): Responsible For (Direct Reports Post Title): Empty Homes Project Officer BM01401 Housing Management Leasehold and Lettings Empty Homes Manager 1. Job purpose The post holder will work as part of the Empty Homes team. The purpose of the team is to deliver a high quality, upper quartile performance. To manage the inspection, maintenance and repair of empty homes in order to ensure that properties are available for letting within target times, and that void rent loss is minimised. The post holder will contribute to changes made to existing policies and procedures and embed this in the day to day delivery of an efficient Empty Homes service. The post holder will aim to achieve back to back lettings. The post holder will be expected to: set a good example in terms of conduct, and attitude; display a high level of motivation and performance management; work as one team in line with the Corporate Values/behaviours. 2. Organisational Position Service Manager Leasehold and Lettings Empty Homes Consultant Empty Homes Manager Empty Home Project Officer x3 (this post) Empty Homes Co-ordinator Under Occupation Adviser Charge Hand Lettings Adviser x3.5
3. Key tasks, duties and accountabilities of the post Ensure that all empty homes and mutual exchange works are of a high standard, are completed on time and within the budgeted value set. Have specific responsibility for the diagnosis of all repair and project works, quality control, payment and contract management, specification, ordering, liaison and procurement including rechargeable works to maximise income to the Council. Follows agreed processes and time scales for the completion of surveys, makes recommendations for improvements to ensure the processes followed are always efficient and cost effective. The post holder will attend all pre-termination inspections, liaising with the outgoing tenant to agree what works are to be carried out during the notice period and whether there will be any recharges. This will cover agreeing that potential tenants can view the property during the notice period, and advising on the leaving standard. The post holder will determine if a property is safe for potential tenants to view and may recommend more extensive works if a property is determined unsafe. Subject to the agreement of Senior Managers the post holder will make recommendation that a property is deemed a major works void for health and safety/decent Homes work to be carried out. Attends properties known to be occupied by High pointed tenants looking to move and carrying out a property MOT with the aim to reduce empty homes period and rent loss. Ensure IT systems are fully optimised with inspections, works orders, variations and that any extension of time is recorded accurately and on time. Ensure SBC property portfolio is maintained and achieves the Lettable standard. Carry out works in progress inspections and supervise work on site in order to achieve quality, time and cost targets. Undertake intermediate and post inspections on all void properties. Work with the Empty Homes Manager and Consultant to agree a process which ensures properties are ready to let at the earliest opportunity. Provide weekly status progress reports on the management of empty homes properties to the Empty Homes Manager and agree an action plan to facilitate the earliest letting. Ensure all statutory requirements, standing orders, contract regulations, financial regulations and other relevant requirements are adhered to in the management and maintenance of empty homes and properties where tenants are moving via mutual exchange. Carry out structural surveys of properties, with reports and remedial works as necessary, prepare tender documentation and deal with any planning or building regulation applications. Ensure Health & Safety is inherent in all activities, including those of BMO trades persons, contractors, staff and consultants. Attending internal and external meetings, as required.
4. The role s key contacts and level of relationships with individuals, groups of people, agencies and external organisations All teams with the Housing Directorate, Contact Centre, BMO staff, external contractors, finance and Investment team and other statutory organisations. 5. Governance and corporate responsibilities 1. Undertake any additional responsibilities as directed by the line manager commensurate with the level and grading for the role 2. Adhere to the Council s policies, rules and procedures including, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, all other legislative responsibilities, governance, financial and procedural rules. 3. Ensure compliance to the organisation s Code of Conduct in the delivery and provision of services to staff and the community
Person Specification Post Title: Empty Homes Project Officer Post Number: BM01401 Service Area / Department Leasehold and Lettings Directorate: Housing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities This covers all technical, specialist, procedural and organisation knowledge and skills required for the post, including numeracy and literacy, language, computer skills including software packages. Use and safekeeping of tools and equipment. Please include within this section any mandatory or desirable educational qualifications. Please note if equivalent knowledge can be obtained through work experience or other qualifications this should be noted. Required Competencies Essential Desirable IT literate and ability to use developing technologies. Good communicator and interpersonal skills. Proven ability of working under pressure and meeting deadlines. Ability to work unsupervised or as part of a team. Ability to organise and prioritise work to meet deadlines and targets. Ability to prepare and interpret specifications and prepare schedules of work utilising the schedule of rates. How to be Assessed Application Test Interview An understanding of working in a customer focused repairs service delivery environment. Experience This covers aspects of specific levels of experience required for the post including supervisory, management, demonstrable professional experience on a field required in the post Ability to contribute to and support the work of other members of the team Demonstrable experience of working in a building maintenance environment and working with Schedule of Rates. Competent in Health and Safety, CDM legislation, planning and building regulations. Experience of budget management, setting and reporting. Experience of the identification and remedy of a wide range of building defects.
Any other attributes required for the role not mentioned above This covers those additional job requirements such as rota working, able to attend meetings in the evenings and at weekends, access to own transport Ability to travel to sites and properties. Have a recognised building trade qualification and relevant supervisory experience within the Building trade. Able to attend meetings, sites and venues as required. Able to identify when discrimination is taking place in service delivery or in the workplace and to take appropriate action where discrimination is identified.