Technical Officer (Housing Improvements)

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Technical Officer on an initial 6 months contract with the possibility of further extension.

Job Purpose:

Supporting the Principal Housing Improvement Officer in the delivery of comprehensive and efficient Home Improvement Service the post holder will assess adaptation requirements in line with relevant legislation, undertake design work to address identified requirements efficiently and effectively and manage the delivery of the works to a high standard.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To provide an efficient and effective service to clients who are enquiring about, have made an application for, or have received approval for, the various types of grant or loan assistance provided by the client.
• To organise and oversee all technical aspects of the Housing grants / loans process from receipt of initial enquiry through to completion. Visiting client’s in their own homes providing the required level of advice and information and maintaining regular contact with them at each stage of the case
• To Inspect properties with regard to the legislation and standards appertaining to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the Decent Homes Standard, Disabled Facilities Grant and other relevant standards, as appropriate. To visit properties and undertake surveys to identify eligible works, prepare detailed plans and specifications / schedules of work to meet the needs and to check and analyse plans, specifications, estimates, bills of quantities and variations in connection with all applications for assistance.
• To maintain and review an up-to-date Register of Preferred Contractors
• To administer the Contracts for Works, instruct contractors and monitor the quality of workmanship.
• To assist & contribute towards the development of a Private Service
• To liaise with and maintain good working relationship with the Occupational Therapist, Client, and all other relevant partner agencies: to design adaptations that meet the needs of a disabled person(s), interpreting recommendations made by OT’s and advising where appropriate, alternative cost-effective solutions organising and overseeing all aspects of the housing grants/loans process from receipt of initial enquiry through to completion.
• To Undertake inspections to assess and verify unforeseen / additional works in line with current procedures and carry out interim valuations and recommend payments to contractors. To carry out completion inspections and certify final accounts and authorise payments in accordance with clients financial regulations.
• To monitor and control the progress of jobs on site and standard of work completed, whilst ensuring they all comply with relevant standards and that clients are satisfied with the improvements or adaptations. Resolving any outstanding matters to the satisfaction of clients and senior officers. To keep up to date with developments in the maintenance/adaptation of buildings and attend relevant training courses.
• Give general advice and/or apply the current legislation and client policy with regard to housing renewal and the financial assistance made available by the client.
• Working with the Principal Housing Improvement Officer to establish and implement a contractor code of conduct, monitor contractors against the criteria and recommend action as appropriate. Provide technical support, in conjunction with the Home Improvements team, to clients irrespective of whether they are receiving financial assistance from the client.
• To keep full and careful records, including inputting on IT systems, of all activity for the purpose of updating case files, colleagues and managers on progress of enquiries, applications, current cases and completions.

Requirements:

• Qualified to at least HND/HNC level Building Construction and / or Surveying or equivalent
• E.C.D.L. or equivalent Computer qualification
• Considerable experience in a residential building / surveying related discipline with detailed knowledge of the building industry, surveying practices and techniques, adaptations and general domestic building maintenance / repair practices.
• Experience in the production of detailed specifications, schedules of work and plans using CAD programmes.
• Ability to compile and mantain a schedule of rates, tender preparation and negotiation, contract administration, quality and cost control.
• A good understanding of building construction, identification of defects and remedies, including structural matters. Along with the technical expertise and ingenuity to solve complex problems

If this sounds good to you, please apply or contact Pocholo for more information!