Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes & Licensing)
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
15/10/2026
Advert End Date:
08/11/2026 23:59
Salary:
£36,581 - £39,481 per annum
Employment Location:
Town Hall / Agile working from home
Further Information
Are you passionate about improving housing standards, bringing empty properties back into use, and making a tangible difference to local communities?
Darlington Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Housing Projects Officer (Empty Homes & Licensing) to lead our work in tackling long-term empty homes and driving the development of private sector housing initiatives across the borough.
Join us and help make every home count.
About the role
This is an exciting new opportunity to play a leading role in delivering the Council's strategic housing objectives.
The role will include identifying empty properties on the streets of Darlington and working with property owners to establish why their property is empty and what assistance the Council can offer to enable the property to be brought back into use.
Where an informal approach is unsuccessful, formal enforcement options will be considered. Due to the wide variety of situations an empty property may be in, an ability to make decisions effectively and communicate regulatory requirements to a range of people is essential. You will proactively identify and investigate empty residential properties, work with property owners and landlords, to bring problem and long-term empty properties back into use and help increase the supply of quality housing across Darlington. As well as working with property owners, the role will also involve working with other teams both within the council and external agencies.
You will also lead evidence gathering and project work relating to potential housing licensing schemes, analysing housing and neighbourhood data, engaging with residents and stakeholders, and presenting findings to senior managers and elected members.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have knowledge and experience in dealing with empty properties and can demonstrate an awareness and understanding of investigative and enforcement processes.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding role, are adaptable, self-sufficient, motivated, and have good interpersonal skills, we would welcome you to join our Team.
The role will within the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team where we are passionate about improving the lives and living standards of residents.
For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Role Profile and Person Specification.
Why join us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of housing in Darlington by helping to bring empty properties back into productive use, improve housing standards and contribute to stronger, more sustainable neighbourhoods.
This post is for 2 years fixed term.
The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:
- 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Flexi-time scheme
- Flexible working
- Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
- Staff equality forums
- Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
- Physiotherapy service
- Confidential counselling service
- Great wellbeing offer
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
- Local and National retailer discounts
- Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
- Arriva Employee Travel Club
For the full range of benefits we offer, please see our Why work for us internet page, which also includes our Total Reward Booklet and Employee Benefit Video.
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/why-work-for-us/
Find out further information about us and what it’s like to work for our great team by visiting the Jobs and Careers home page.
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/
General Information for Applicants:
For a further informal discussion and any queries around the role profile and jobs itself please contact either Private Sector Housing Manager, Christine Booth - Christine.Booth@darlington.gov.uk or Head of Public Protection, Brian Whelan - Brian.Whelan@darlington.gov.uk
If you have any further questions regarding applying for this role or the questions and required fields within the application form, please contact the HR Support team on 01325 403217 or HR@darlington.gov.uk.
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We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.