We're recruiting an experienced Housing Review Officer to lead on statutory housing and homelessness reviews under the Housing Act 1996.

This is a specialist role within the Housing Service, responsible for conducting complex reviews relating to homelessness duties, suitability of accommodation and housing register decisions. The successful candidate will require detailed legislative knowledge, strong analytical skills and the ability to produce legally robust decisions within statutory timescales.

The Role
·Lead and administer statutory reviews under Part VI and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
·Conduct s.202 reviews relating to homelessness decisions, suitability of temporary accommodation and discharge of duty.
·Undertake s.166a reviews in relation to Housing Register decisions.
·Certify what housing duty is owed and how that duty should be discharged in accordance with legislation and policy.
·Assess the reasonableness of decisions in light of legislation, case law and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
·Draft legally robust and comprehensive decision letters.
·Consider and determine whether interim accommodation under s.188(3) should be provided pending review outcomes.
·Liaise with Legal Services in respect of judicial reviews and s.204 County Court appeals.
·Prepare court documentation, instruct Counsel and attend court where required.
·Respond to legal challenges regarding temporary accommodation and allocations decisions.
·Provide advice, feedback and guidance to Housing Advisers, Allocations and Temporary Accommodation teams.
·Prepare reports on review volumes, outcomes and statutory compliance.
·Deliver training and briefings to officers on legal developments and case law.
·Maintain accurate case records and ensure all databases and systems are up to date.
·Respond to correspondence from Councillors, MPs, solicitors and senior stakeholders.
·Identify potential abuse of process and liaise with Corporate Anti-Fraud where appropriate.
·Deputise for the Reviews Manager where required.

Key Requirements
·Detailed knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 (Parts VI & VII).
·Strong understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated Regulations.
·Knowledge of the Homelessness Code of Guidance and relevant case law.
·Experience conducting statutory homelessness and suitability reviews.
·Working knowledge of allocations legislation and Housing Register processes.
·Understanding of welfare benefits, immigration and eligibility legislation.
·Experience drafting legally robust decision letters and reports.
·Experience liaising with Legal Services and responding to judicial reviews or appeals.
·Strong analytical and investigative skills.
·Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
·Ability to manage complex caseloads and work to statutory deadlines.
·Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.

What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We regularly recruit for Housing Review Officers, Senior Housing Options Officers and Homelessness specialists across the UK and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially.
Even if you are currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from experienced homelessness and reviews professionals looking to make future connections.
For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on 02393 876065.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.