Practitioner

• Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Southport Town Hall / Agile
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week.
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 01/11/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: REA/26/346431

As a Housing Practitioner, you will provide expert technical advice and support on housing standards, property licensing and enforcement matters. You will manage a varied caseload, including complex and high-profile cases involving vulnerable households living in hazardous housing conditions.

The role requires a confident and resilient professional who can balance enforcement with engagement, working constructively with property owners to secure improvements while taking formal action when necessary.

• Inspect and investigate residential properties across all risk categories to assess compliance with relevant housing legislation, licensing conditions, codes of practice and council policies.
• Identify hazards and serious defects within accommodation and determine appropriate remedial action.
• Prepare, sign and serve statutory notices and undertake enforcement action where required.
• Supervise and monitor remedial works undertaken by landlords and property owners.
• Provide specialist technical advice to residents, landlords, businesses, elected members, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, schedules, costings and correspondence.
• Prepare evidence and legal bundles and represent the Council at Court and Tribunal hearings.
• Interpret complex technical documentation and provide recommendations on appropriate courses of action.
• Coordinate projects and contribute to high-risk or high-profile areas of work within the service.
• Support vulnerable residents by providing advice, guidance and practical assistance relating to housing conditions.
• Provide mentoring, guidance and support to colleagues when required.
  
  Manage your own workload effectively to meet service objectives and performance targets.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has substantial knowledge of housing standards, private sector housing legislation and enforcement practices.
• Can confidently manage complex investigations and make informed decisions on challenging cases.
• Possesses strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Has excellent report writing and evidence-gathering skills.
• Is able to present evidence professionally in court, tribunals and formal hearings.
• Demonstrates resilience, tact and diplomacy when dealing with difficult situations and vulnerable residents.
• Can work independently with minimal supervision while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Has strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents and communities.
• A varied and rewarding workload with exposure to complex and challenging cases.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive team environment committed to continuous improvement.
• The chance to contribute directly to improving housing standards and protecting vulnerable residents.

The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 1 st November 2026

Provisional interview dates are week commencing 16 th November 2026

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values…