Cessation of Duty Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Enfield (CT); On-site; USD 59,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment and Limited is recruiting for a Cessation of Duty Officer on a two-month contract with a local authority in Enfield. You will manage complex homelessness cases and determine how and when statutory housing duties may cease, ensuring decisions comply with legislation and guidance.

You will review evidence, draft Minded To and final decision letters, and prepare cases for review, while upholding Equality Act and Human Rights considerations and working with partner agencies to

Qualifications

• Extensive homelessness casework experience.
• Experience making COD decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part VII.
• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Experience drafting legally robust homelessness decision letters.
• Experience undertaking complex homelessness investigations.
• Experience assessing evidence and making findings of fact.
• Experience handling intentional homelessness and suitability decisions.
• Strong report writing and decision-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010.
• Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Local Authority homelessness policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex homelessness and housing duty cases.
• Conduct detailed investigations and legal enquiries.
• Determine whether statutory homelessness duties can lawfully cease.
• Review evidence from applicants, solicitors and partner agencies.
• Identify missing evidence and commission further investigations.
• Assess credibility and make findings of fact.
• Interpret and apply housing legislation, guidance and case law.
• Draft Minds To and final decision letters.
• Prepare cases for Section 202 Reviews and legal scrutiny.
• Ensure compliance with Equality Act duties and Human Rights considerations.

Skills

Homelessness casework

COD decisions

Housing Act 1996 Part VII

Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Legal drafting

Evidence assessment

Equality Act 2010

Public sector policies

Tools

None

Job description

Enfield, United Kingdom

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

2 Months Contract with a Local Authority

Job Purpose

As a Cessation of Duty (COD) Officer , you will manage complex homelessness cases and make legally robust decisions regarding the discharge, ending and cessation of statutory housing duties under homelessness legislation. You will ensure decisions comply with legislation, statutory guidance and case law while protecting the Council against challenge and review.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Manage complex homelessness and housing duty cases.
• Conduct detailed investigations and legal enquiries.
• Determine whether statutory homelessness duties can lawfully cease.
• Review evidence obtained from applicants, solicitors, medical professionals and partner agencies.
• Identify missing evidence and commission further investigations.
• Assess credibility and make findings of fact.
• Interpret and apply housing legislation, statutory guidance and case law.
• Draft "Minded To" decision letters.
• Draft final decision letters capable of withstanding legal challenge.
• Determine intentional homelessness cases where applicable.
• Assess accommodation suitability issues.
• Make defensible decisions on behalf of the Council.
• Prepare cases for Section 202 Reviews and legal scrutiny.
• Ensure compliance with Equality Act duties and Human Rights considerations.

Essential Experience Required

• Extensive experience in Homelessness Casework.
• Experience making Cessation of Duty (COD) decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part VII.
• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Experience drafting legally robust homelessness decision letters.
• Experience undertaking complex homelessness investigations.
• Experience assessing evidence and making findings of fact.
• Experience handling intentional homelessness and suitability decisions.
• Strong report writing and decision-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Local Authority homelessness policies.

Additional Information to Note

• Monday to Friday.
• We work on bi-weekly payment schedule.