Supported Housing Inspection Officer

**We’re looking for a Supported Housing Inspection Officer, Interested?**

Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for

**About the role.**

Gateshead Council is seeking to appoint two Supported Housing Inspection Officers to review the quality of supported accommodation. The amount of supported accommodation is rising in Gateshead, occupied by some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable residents. You will work with providers to ensure that supported accommodation is safe and that tenant support is being delivered to a high standard.

Being based within our Private Sector Team you will have the support of a well-established and experienced inspection team. You will develop, plan and conduct a programme of housing inspections on external and internal supported/temporary accommodation, assessing the quality of provision including the management standards, safety and the support provided. You will carry out follow on work in relation to inspection and support reviews such as enforcement where housing improvements are required, and engagement of support to meet individual’s needs where this falls short. Your work will develop and strengthen relationships with partners and develop provider training and quality standards to support improvements. You will be involved in the scrutiny of housing benefit (HB) claims, including benchmarking, identifying themes, trends and best practise to ensure value for money.

You must hold a Level 4 Qualification, such as an HNC, have experience of working in a customer focused environment, with service providers in a proactive way
- such as landlords, charities and/or supported housing providers, of completing assessments, audits and/or inspections, and of tackling noise, anti-social behaviour or housing related problems.

You must have experience of using analytical skills to research, collate evidence and analyse information and data, strong numerical and IT skills, of developing documents, systems, processes and procedures and have good verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate at different levels and to negotiate and good written communication, including experience of writing formal correspondence, producing reports, plans and writing procedures.

You must have a good understanding of Gateshead Council’s Thrive agenda, Housing and Health & Wellbeing strategies and of the legislation and regulation that relates to housing standards, noise, anti-social behaviour and nuisances and the Council’s role in enforcement.

You will have a current driving licence or means to mobility support.

**A bit about Gateshead Council**

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

**What’s in it for you? Well, there’s so much on offer and here’s just a few of the highlights**
- You’ll be paid a competitive salary £35,235 to £37,938 pa
- We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
- You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
- We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
- A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
- You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
- You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping

**It’s time to apply**

We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this link