Jobs

Housing Reviews Officer required for our local authority client East London.

THE ROLE:

To receive representations that serve to challenge decisions made in relation to the homeless applications in accordance with the Council's duty under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and carry out an independent review of such decisions, producing a written adjudication on that substantive challenge that serves to consider and supply the full reason for the review decision



At the direction of the Team Manager Legal to conduct reviews of suitability of accommodation provided or offered to homeless households in accordance with the Council's statutory duties under Part VII of the 1996 Housing Act (as amended), decisions on homelessness applications.



At the direction of the Team Manager Legal, to act as the council's representative in any subsequent court challenge to review decisions or in any litigation around the conduct of the review, including that which involves any decision not to conduct a review.



To ensure customers receive, either directly or through referral to relevant teams/agencies, appropriate advice on their options.



To ensure that all enquiries and cases are progressed speedily and efficiently, that all set targets are achieved and to minimise the risk of successful legal challenge on decisions relating to the allocation of accommodation to homeless households.



DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES



To produce independent decisions relating to reviews registered under S202 of the 1996 Housing Act challenging the suitability of accommodation provided in accordance with the Council's statutory duties to homeless applicants and decisions made determining Part VII homeless applications



To determine whether discretion to accommodate pending review should be utilised and whether any late request for review should be accepted



To keep abreast of changes to homelessness and related legislation, the

Code of Guidance, statutory instruments, case law and other best practice to ensure that the service operates efficiently and effectively



To make sure the progress and outcome of all reviews are recorded and monitored for trend changes. To oversee the arbitration process, preparing documentation as required.



To carry out all casework for County Court challenges to review decisions, drafting witness statements, liaising with the Council's Legal Department and attending court



Liaise with applicants and their representatives conducting oral hearing when required.



To be responsible for the production of performance monitoring data including collation of statistical information in relation to reviews, highlighting any gaps or weaknesses in service provision and processes,

as well as any training needs to the relevant Team Manager



To contribute to the development and delivery of Council plans and strategies so that targets and performance requirements are met.



To effectively communicate the Council's duties and policies to customers and partner organisations directly, in writing and through customer information.



To specifically keep up to date with case law and revisions to statutes and guidance governing the suitability of accommodation. To provide expert support, guidance and training to colleagues regarding the matters they must take into account when making offers of accommodation in accordance with the Council's statutory duties, and any procedural changes which may be required in consequence.



To research and maintain up to date knowledge of factors that would affect the suitability of accommodation within particular localities, including distance, access to amenities, local services and transport, affordability and level of disruption to the household caused by the location of the property offered.



To provide the above through expert knowledge of housing legislation and case law in relation to Homelessness, Landlord and Tenant (private and social housing sectors) immigration law and Family law, including domestic abuse, welfare benefits and rights



To have a good understanding of the responsibilities of social landlords, Police, Probation, Social and Health Services in relation to housing need homelessness and homelessness prevention work.



Knowledge

A detailed knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002, Regulations and Statutory Instruments relating to homelessness, and the Homelessness Code of Guidance 2006, and of the Localism Act 2011 as they relate to the allocation of accommodation to homeless households.



A detailed knowledge of the statutory instruments, legislation, guidance and caselaw, relating to the allocation of accommodation to homeless households. A detailed knowledge of the Regulations pertaining to the conduct of s202 reviews



A detailed knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation, the Housing Act 1985, immigration law, family law, Community Care legislation and Children Act or any subsequent legislation



Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.

At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy may not have been shortlist by the client.

You can also send your CV direct to: paul.barrow@duttonrecruitment.com