Housing Review Officer – AR

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Chalvey; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington Blake Recruitment supports a UK council in recruiting a Housing Review Officer to act as the independent reviewer for homelessness decisions, temporary accommodation suitability, housing allocations and discharge of duty decisions.

You will ensure decisions are fair, lawful, evidence-based and clearly reasoned, with strong assessment of complex case files, medical evidence, safeguarding information and professional reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience undertaking Section 202 homelessness reviews.
• Proven experience producing legally sound and evidence-based review decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Ability to analyse complex evidence including medical, welfare and safeguarding information.

Responsibilities

• Undertake complex statutory housing and homelessness reviews, including Section 202 reviews.
• Review decisions relating to homelessness and discharge of duty.
• Consider housing allocations, housing register and reasonable preference decisions.
• Produce clear, detailed and legally robust review decision letters.
• Make independent decisions to uphold, vary or overturn original decisions.
• Ensure decisions are issued within statutory timescales and are defensible legally.

Skills

S202 reviews

Legal reasoning

Homelessness casework

Vulnerable applicants

Time management

Case file analysis

Job description

Housing Review Officer

Job Purpose

To act as the Council’s independent statutory review decision-maker for homelessness, temporary accommodation suitability, housing allocations and discharge of duty decisions.

The postholder will ensure all review decisions are fair, lawful, evidence-based and clearly reasoned, in accordance with housing legislation, statutory guidance, case law and Council policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake complex statutory housing and homelessness reviews, including Section 202 reviews.
• Review decisions relating to homelessness, temporary accommodation suitability and discharge of duty.
• Consider housing allocations, housing register and reasonable preference decisions where required.
• Analyse complex case files, original decisions, medical evidence, safeguarding information and professional reports.
• Produce clear, detailed and legally robust review decision letters.
• Make independent decisions to uphold, vary or overturn original decisions.
• Ensure decisions are issued within statutory timescales and are capable of withstanding legal challenge.
• Apply relevant legislation, including Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Maintain a strong understanding of Section 204 appeals, relevant case law and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Liaise with Legal Services, solicitors, advocates and Counsel regarding appeals and legal challenges.
• Identify and ... legal, financial and reputational risks.
• Provide specialist advice, guidance and feedback to Housing Officers and managers.
• Support responses to Ombudsman, MP, Member and complaint enquiries.
• Maintain accurate case records, audit trails and performance information.
• Contribute to improvements in housing policies, procedures and decision-making.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Minimum 2 years’ experience undertaking Section 202 (S202) homelessness reviews.
• Proven experience producing legally sound and evidence-based review decisions.
• Strong experience of complex homelessness and/or housing allocations casework.
• Experience of statutory reviews, legal decision-making or quasi-legal housing decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Working knowledge of Section 202 reviews and Section 204 appeals.
• Knowledge of housing case law, suitability requirements and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Ability to analyse complex evidence, including medical, welfare and safeguarding information.
• Excellent written communication and legal reasoning skills.
• Experience managing complex caseloads and statutory deadlines.
• Experience working with vulnerable applicants and sensitive or contentious cases.

Key Relationships

The postholder will work closely with:

• Housing Demand and Homelessness Services
• Housing Allocations
• Temporary Accommodation
• Legal Services
• Tenancy Services
• Social Care
• Senior Managers
• Applicants and their representatives
• Solicitors and Counsel
• MPs and Members
• Ombudsman services and external agencies