Technical Inspector

DAMHA is the largest almshouse charity in the UK, providing over 1,800 affordable bungalows, for more than 2,000 residents, across former mining communities in County Durham and the North-East.

Our housing stock also includes two sheltered schemes providing independent living accommodation, Rutherford House is a 35-bed scheme based in Peterlee and Bulmer House is a 27-bed scheme based in South Shields.

Following a recent In-Depth Assessment, the Regulator of Social Housing confirmed we achieved a G1/V1 rating.

The Association is based on an ethos of care, with a strong focus on participation and involvement at all levels. We are looking for someone of the highest calibre who can help guide the association forward while recognising and appreciating its history, traditions, and values.

The Association is distinctive, different, and successful. We pride ourselves with having an enthusiastic and committed workforce and have developed a fantastic relationship with our residents and the communities we serve.

**Important Dates**:
**Applications deadline: 12 noon on MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2024**

**You should be available for interview: MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2024**

**Job Purpose**

To assist the Technical Manager in providing excellent customer service in ensuring that all planned, cyclical and responsive maintenance works are carried out in accordance with the Association’s stated policies and procedures.

**Key Responsibilities**
- To carry out pre-inspections of selected responsive repair requests, void properties, reported defects on new build and completed planned maintenance works and proposed cyclical maintenance works as directed.
- To arrange for all works identified to be completed as necessary to include post-inspecting all completed works and issuing/authorising relevant works orders.
- To process any repairs requested by residents and ensure that the works orders are raised with the relevant contractors.
- The monitoring and reporting of all cyclical and planned maintenance works.
- To assist with survey works required in order to update the Association’s Stock Condition
- Survey and as preparation for the planned maintenance programme.
- Carry out when required joint inspections with the Housing Team to works in accordance with laid down procedures.
- Maintain close liaison with the Technical Manager and Asset Management Coordinator regarding: Expenditure and budgetary control, planned maintenance programme, cyclical works, matters requiring further technical expertise, capital programme.
- To assist with the completion of requested disabled adaptations.
- To liaise with residents, relevant staff, and contractors during the completion of all works as necessary.
- To maintain adequate records of all inspections including reporting to relevant officers as necessary.
- Where necessary covering the work of other Technical Inspectors during periods of absence.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade may be assigned from time to time.

**Essential Skills**
- High level of technical ability.
- Proven communication skills, including ability to deal with complex enquiries from residents’ face-to
- face and via the telephone.
- Effective problem solver, methodical, accurate, timely and responsive to maintenance problems and solutions face to face and/or in writing to technical and non-technical personnel.
- Interpersonal skills including ability to develop professional working relationships with internal/external customers, contractors including vulnerable residents, etc.
- IT literate, proficient in core systems such as Microsoft suite.
- UK Driving License and access to a vehicle to travel across the communities we serve.

**Desirable Skills**
- Understanding of tender processes.
- Principles of Best Value.

**Essential Knowledge**/ **Qualification**
- Knowledge of Building surveying.
- Knowledge of damp and mould surveying.
- Knowledge of current landlord Health & Safety, building & construction processes, trades & techniques and the big 6.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety Regs relating to buildings & construction, e.g. Construction Design & Management.
- Working at Heights and the Control of Asbestos.
- Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity Issues.

**Desirable Knowledge**/ **Qualification**
- HND/C Construction Management.
- Degree in Building Surveying.
- Understanding of stock condition surveys.
- Construction industry related, trade
- based qualification.

**Essential Experience**
- Practical building maintenance / repair experience.
- Dealing with the public.
- Provision of customer orientated service.
- Working with external agencies.

**Desirable Experience**
- Practical industry - based experience.
- Work experience in social housing.

**Essential Personal Qualities**
- A commitment to social housing and customer care.
- A commitment to equal opportunities in service delivery.
- Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with residents.
- Ability to work on own initiative or as part of