Vacancy Details

Our Private Sector Housing Team is looking for a motivated Private Sector Housing Support Officer (6-month fixed-term contract) to help make homes across the district safer, more accessible, and better maintained.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a varied and rewarding role, supporting residents and contributing to the delivery of vital housing services. Whether you're building on previous housing experience or bringing strong administrative skills to a new challenge, this role offers the chance to make a real difference.

Everything You Need to Know

As a Private Sector Housing Support Officer, you’ll provide technical and administrative support to ensure residential accommodation – including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) – meet statutory standards. You'll play a key role in helping vulnerable residents access essential home adaptations through Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and other housing renewal initiatives.

From carrying out means testing and processing invoices to supporting inspections and updating our internal systems, you'll be a crucial part of a fast-paced, supportive team dedicated to improving homes and lives across the district.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Private Sector Housing Team in ensuring properties across the district meet housing standards
• Assisting with the administration of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and other housing renewal grants
• Supporting officers with Sketch Up drawings and Schedules of Works for home adaptations
• Helping to organise inspections, maintain accurate records, and input data into systems (Uniform, IDOX, Excel)
• Liaising with a range of professionals – from Occupational Therapists and contractors to housing associations
• Assisting with mobile homes licensing and supporting annual inspections
• Carrying out means testing using Renovator software, including home visits when necessary
• Maintaining financial records, chasing unpaid fees, and contributing to reports and statistical returns
• Assisting in promotional activities and maintaining website content related to housing services

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• A customer-first approach with the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically
• Great organisational skills and the ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload
• Strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Confidence when working with vulnerable or challenging residents and external agencies
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to contribute to service improvements and efficiencies

What You’ll Need

• Education to GCSE A-C standard or equivalent, including English and Maths
• Experience in a customer-facing or administrative role
• Clean driving licence and access to a car
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g. CAD, housing regulations)

What’s in It for You

This is your opportunity to build a meaningful career in local government, develop specialist knowledge, and support people in real need. You’ll join a welcoming and experienced team that will invest in your training and growth.

We are proud holders of the Platinum Investors in People accreditation – a recognition of our commitment to developing our people, creating inclusive teams, and continuously improving how we work.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking
• Employee benefits include discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more, the Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to the BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Would you like to learn more about the role?

For an informal discussion about the role, please get in touch with Alison Simmons, Head of Strategic & Private Sector Housing, on +441732227272

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Closing date:                 17 August 2025

Interviews:                      29 August 2025

Equal Opportunities

Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply

Please apply online (see below). If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by either emailing recruitment@sevenoaks.gov.uk or contacting us on 01732 227383 to discuss how we can assist you in applying.