Negotiable
Reviews Officer
Location: Lynton House, (Apply online only) High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NY
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 3+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 22.55 per day
Job Ref: OR10935
Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality, timely reviews of homelessness decisions under section 202 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Manage cases that escalate to section 204 appeals in County Court and further appeals in higher courts.
- Reduce the need for temporary accommodation by providing effective review processes and offering prevention and relief advice.
- Record and analyze key data on homelessness trends to support submissions to the Department for Communities and Local Government.
- Collaborate with customers to resolve their reviews and identify effective solutions to their housing problems.
- Contribute to the development and design of housing services and solutions for customers.
- Manage personal casework, keeping detailed case notes and liaising with customers and their advocates.
- Prepare witness statements and responses to appeals in conjunction with other officers, managers, and the Council’s Legal Department.
- Make appropriate decisions on interim accommodation requests pending review or court appeal.
- Support emergency judicial review applications and work with Legal Services to defend legal challenges.
- Carry out reviews of temporary accommodation suitability and private rented sector offers.
- Assess customers' support needs and make referrals for resettlement support as required.
- Conduct non-statutory reviews of allocation scheme decisions under part VI of the Housing Act 1996.
- Contribute to the development of high-quality Personalized Housing Plans.
- Support innovation within the service by applying best practice housing and homelessness solutions.
- Make recommendations for housing assistance through bond and incentive schemes where appropriate.
- Prepare responses to Members Enquiries, Complaints, and Ombudsman Enquiries.
- Provide proactive and timely housing advice and options to customers.
- Write and issue statutory decision letters and other relevant decision letters.
- Liaise with Housing Supply and Acquisitions team regarding review-related issues.
- Ensure accurate recording of all customer interactions and advice provided.
- Comprehensive knowledge of housing advice and homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Specialist knowledge of the Children Act, the Care Act, and the Welfare Reform Act.
- Experience in making a range of homelessness decisions and decisions on part VI.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex issues and identify solutions.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently manage a caseload.
- Commitment to providing first-class customer service and achieving positive outcomes for customers.
- Experience in working with vulnerable customers and providing appropriate support.
- Proficiency in using IT applications, including databases, Word, and spreadsheets.
- Understanding of equal opportunities in service delivery and actively promoting diversity.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the role. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to inform i-Jobs in advance if there are any specific organisations or hirers to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed.