Disabled Facilities Grant Officer (DFG) - AR

Job Title: Disabled Facilities Grant Officer (DFG) / Housing Adaptations Officer Location

London Borough of Hackney

Service Area

Adult Social Care - Private Sector Housing / DFG Home Adaptations Service

Salary

SO1 - PO3 (depending on experience)

Job Purpose

To deliver a high-quality Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and home adaptations service, enabling disabled residents to remain living safely and independently in their own homes.

The post holder will assess housing conditions, inspect residential properties, process grant applications, prepare specifications and schedules of works, and manage adaptation projects from initial assessment through to completion.

The role involves working closely with Occupational Therapists, residents, contractors, architects, and internal council teams to ensure adaptations are suitable, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered to a high standard.

Key Responsibilities Disabled Facilities Grants & Adaptations

• Assess and process Disabled Facilities Grant and Minor Adaptation Grant applications.
• Interpret Occupational Therapist recommendations and translate them into practical building solutions.
• Carry out property inspections to determine suitable adaptations.
• Prepare detailed specifications, drawings, schedules of works, and cost assessments.
• Review contractor quotations, tenders, and estimates to ensure value for money.
• Monitor adaptation works on site and ensure compliance with agreed specifications.
• Inspect completed works and approve projects for completion.

Housing Inspections & Technical Assessments

• Undertake inspections of private residential properties to assess housing conditions.
• Identify hazards and risks using relevant housing legislation and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Prepare schedules of works, reports, and technical documentation.
• Provide advice to residents, landlords, and contractors on housing standards and compliance.
• Support enforcement action where housing conditions or management standards do not meet requirements.

Case Management & Customer Service

• Manage a varied caseload of DFG and housing-related cases.
• Maintain accurate records and update case management systems.
• Provide clear advice and guidance to vulnerable residents and their families.
• Resolve issues between residents, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Deliver a customer-focused service that promotes independence, accessibility, and inclusion.

Partnership Working

• Liaise with Occupational Therapists, social care teams, contractors, architects, surveyors, and external agencies.
• Attend site meetings and provide technical advice where required.
• Work collaboratively to ensure adaptations meet residents' needs.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience administering Disabled Facilities Grants or housing adaptation projects.
• Experience interpreting Occupational Therapist recommendations.
• Knowledge of building construction and ability to prepare schedules of works.
• Experience surveying residential properties and producing specifications.
• Understanding of building regulations, health and safety, and housing standards.
• Experience managing property improvement or adaptation projects.
• Ability to assess contractor quotations and ensure value for money.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a local authority housing or grants service.
• Knowledge of the Housing, Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
• Experience using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Experience with housing enforcement, property licensing, or private sector housing inspections.
• Knowledge of government benefits and financial means testing.

Qualifications

• Degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in Environmental Health, Building Surveying, Housing, or a related discipline.
• Recognised HHSRS assessor training (desirable).

About the Candidate

We are looking for a technically skilled and customer-focused housing professional who can combine surveying knowledge with excellent communication skills. You will be confident managing adaptation projects, working with vulnerable residents, and applying housing legislation to achieve positive outcomes.

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on residents' quality of life by helping people remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes.