Housing Solutions Reviews Officer

Carrington West; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

South London Local Authority is seeking an experienced Housing Solutions Reviews Officer to join its Homelessness Service, undertaking statutory reviews under the Housing Act 1996.

You will conduct independent, timely reviews of homelessness and allocations decisions, provide impartial legal reconsideration when challenged, and liaise with Legal Services and external partners to ensure robust, legally sound determinations.

Qualifications

• Experience or exposure to homelessness legislation and housing appeals.
• Ability to work within statutory frameworks and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Undertake statutory reviews of homelessness and allocations decisions.
• Conduct robust, independent, and timely reviews in line with Regulations and case law.
• Provide impartial legal reconsideration of challenged decisions under the Allocations Policy.
• Instruct Legal Services on Housing Act appeals and represent the Council in County Court when required.
• Manage temporary accommodation use during review and appeal processes.
• Collaborate with Homeless Services to meet timescales and support performance reporting.
• Support the Review Manager in delivering a professional Reviews and Appeals service.
• Demonstrate proven expertise in homelessness legislation and strong analytical/decision-writing skills.

Skills

Statutory reviews

Legal reasoning

Decision writing

Court representation

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

A South London Local Authority is seeking an experienced Housing Solutions Reviews Officer to join their Homelessness Service, undertaking statutory reviews under Part 7, Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996.

The postholder will conduct robust, independent, and timely reviews of homelessness and allocations decisions in line with the Review Regulations, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law. Senior in rank to Housing Officers, you will provide impartial legal reconsideration of decisions where applicants challenge outcomes under the Council's Allocations Policy and statutory homelessness duties.

Key responsibilities include undertaking statutory enquiries, liaising with external partners, drafting and issuing legally sound review decisions, and ensuring determinations withstand political, media, and legal scrutiny. You will instruct Legal Services on Housing Act appeals, represent the Council in County Court where required, and work to mitigate Judicial Review risks. Effective management of temporary accommodation use during review and appeal processes is essential.

You will collaborate closely with Homeless Services teams to meet prescribed timescales, contribute to performance reporting, and support the Review Manager in delivering a professional, high-quality Reviews and Appeals service.

Applicants must demonstrate proven expertise in homelessness legislation and strong analytical and decision-writing skills