Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Officer – Contract Opportunity

Location: London Borough of Hackney
Rate: £36.78 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Duration To Be Determined
Hours: Full Time
Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

Hackney Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Officer to enhance its Adult Social Care and Private Sector Housing Service. This pivotal role involves the assessment, processing, and management of Disabled Facilities Grants and home adaptation projects. The aim is to empower vulnerable residents to live safely and independently in their homes. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth technical expertise in DFG legislation, building construction, housing grants, means testing, and adaptation works. Experience collaborating with Occupational Therapists, contractors, vulnerable adults, children, and partner agencies is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Disabled Facilities Grants & Adaptations

• Evaluate and process Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications.
  
• Analyze recommendations from Occupational Therapists.
  
• Conduct property inspections and surveys.
  
• Develop schedules of work, specifications, and drawings for adaptation projects.
  
• Oversee adaptation works to ensure quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
  
• Review tenders, estimates, and contractor quotations.
  
• Ensure adaptations fulfill the needs of disabled residents and support independent living.
  
• Manage DFG projects from assessment to completion.
  

Technical & Surveying Duties

• Survey residential properties and evaluate housing conditions.
  
• Create detailed specifications and schedules of works.
  
• Assess construction methods and identify building defects.
  
• Ensure adherence to:
  • Building Regulations
    
  • Health & Safety
    

Requirements

Requirements:

• Housing Legislation
  
• Coordinate with contractors, architects, surveyors, and residents throughout projects.
  
• Address technical and on-site issues efficiently.
  

Financial Assessments

• Conduct financial means testing assessments.
  
• Determine eligibility for grant assistance and related support.
  
• Exhibit understanding of government benefits and financial support frameworks.
  
• Ensure grant funding is administered correctly and within policy guidelines.
  

Housing & Enforcement Functions

• Offer advice on private sector housing standards.
  
• Assist with inspections under relevant housing legislation.
  
• Evaluate housing conditions using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
  
• Support enforcement and compliance activities as needed.
  
• Maintain accurate casework records and reports.
  

Stakeholder & Customer Engagement

• Collaborate closely with:
  • Occupational Therapists
    
  • Vulnerable Adults and Children
    
  • Contractors
    
  • Architects
    
  • Social Care Teams
    
  • Housing Officers
    
• Deliver exceptional customer service and support.
  
• Handle sensitive situations involving vulnerable residents and complex circumstances.
  
• Keep precise records and case management information.
  

Essential

• Experience in administering Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
  
• Proficiency in interpreting Occupational Therapist recommendations.
  
• Knowledge of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act.
  
• Experience in conducting financial means test assessments.
  
• Experience in surveying residential properties.
  
• Capability to prepare:
  • Specifications
    
  • Schedules of Work
    
  • Drawings
    
  • Adaptation Recommendations
    
• Strong understanding of:
  • Building Construction
    
  • Building Regulations
    
  • Health & Safety
    
  • Housing Adaptations
    
• Experience in managing adaptation or improvement projects.
  
• Familiarity with government benefits and financial assistance schemes.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and children.
  
• Experience in lone working.
  
• Strong organizational, report-writing, and project management skills.
  
• Excellent communication and customer care abilities.
  

Desirable

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health or a related housing qualification.
  
• HHSRS Assessor Qualification.
  
• Experience with Local Authority DFGs.
  
• Experience in housing inspections and enforcement work.
  
• Experience in preparing reports and presenting technical information.
  
• Knowledge of private sector housing legislation.
  

What's on Offer?

• £36.78 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• Contract Length to Be Determined
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to significantly impact the lives of vulnerable residents.
  
• A varied role that combines housing, grants, surveying, and project management.
  
• Work within a well-established Adult Social Care and Housing Service.
  
• Opportunity to deliver adaptations that help residents maintain independence in their homes.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Disabled Facilities Grant Officer, DFG Officer, Housing Adaptations Officer, Adaptations Surveyor, Private Sector Housing Officer, Grants Officer, Technical Officer (DFG), Housing Surveyor, or Occupational Therapy Adaptations Officer.