Building Surveyor - Legal Disrepair

3 months contract with local authority
Legal Repairs Surveyors will be responsible for overseeing an individual case load consisting of live disrepair claims, party wall awards, repair diagnostic cases and referrals from repairs teams. Surveyors will also be required to undertake training and acting in an advisory capacity for colleagues in the Technical Quality team, and will from time to time be required to give expert evidence in court.

To deal with all technical aspects of cases received by the team effectively and efficiently. To carry out essential repairs, avoid liability from legal disrepair action whenever possible; alternatively where this is not possible ensure claims are effectively mitigated. Liase closely and establish good working relationships with lawyers in the Chief Executive's Directorate and other Repair sections.

1. To take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons / vulnerable adults with whom you come into contact with.

2. Carry out site inspections and investigations, as necessary to produce detailed specifications of works using the national schedule of rates and composite values. Prepare estimates, feasibility studies, plans, sketches and drawings as may be necessary.

3. As and when required provide technical support/advice to colleagues and give evidence in court as an expert witness.

4. Assist the Senior Legal Repair Surveyor in the development of policies and procedures for the team.

5. Work independently and manage a variable caseload.

6. Be proficient in the correct diagnosis of building failures and to this end be competent in the use of devices, aids and instruments for the purpose of making assessments and diagnoses.

7. Undertake quality assurance checks as and when required on repairs ordered and paid for by the Legal Repairs team.

8. Take responsibility for party wall awards as required, including undertaking the necessary surveys and completing the necessary documentation.

9. Possess a working knowledge of the relevant building contracts and related documentation. Take responsibility for ensuring that the existing contracts are administered in a professional manner and that the contractor complies with appropriate regulations and contract conditions.

10. Have a good working knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice, legal documentation and court procedures.

11. As and when required, act in the capacity of an expert witness in the preparation of reports and scott schedules, the giving of evidence in court, and the providing of advice. Attend all necessary meetings in association with this role.

12. Provide prompt, courteous and helpful response when dealing with queries from, or initiating contact with service users, their representatives, outside agencies and residents of the Borough.

13. Establish and maintain good lines of communication with colleagues in within Islington Council.

14. Obtain tenders/quotations from approved contractors for works not covered by the main contracts, and ensure that proper approvals for expenditure are obtained before ordering any works, all to be in accordance with Islington Council's set procedures.

15. Monitor and oversee works on site including start dates, works in progress, standards of workmanship, materials etc. Monitor and report any variances to agreed standards and recommend a corrective action.

16. Maintain proper and accurate file records. Reply to incoming correspondence, e-mails and phone calls so as to comply with standards set by Islington Council. Agree and issue variation orders as necessary, certify interim and final accounts.

17. Use communication equipment and computer equipment for the purpose of input/extraction/update of budgets/records/statistics/calculation design or other technical information.

18. To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.