Role Purpose

To lead on the conduct and administration of reviews in housing and homelessness applications under Parts VI & VII and decisions relating to the suitability of temporary accommodation and offers of permanent accommodation as well as s.166a reviews for Housing Register purposes
To maintain up-to-date, detailed knowledge of statutory duties in relation to the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), including leading on and conducting reviews in relation to new duties under HRA 2017.
To respond to legal challenges in respect of temporary accommodation offers and occupancy under the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the 2002 Homelessness Act.
To liaise with the Legal Services department in relation to legal challenges and make recommendations regarding the service’s position on legal issues
To maintain an up-to-date detailed knowledge of national policy, development and legal issues as they relate to Housing and Welfare Reform.

Responsibilities

To conduct statutory homelessness reviews under s.202 of the Housing Act 1996 of decisions relating to the acceptance of duties and the suitability of temporary and permanent accommodation: interviewing applicants and carrying out further enquiries as necessary; assessing the reasonableness of decisions in the light of legislation, caselaw, the Code of Guidance, and all relevant matters of fact and law.
To conduct statutory reviews on the suitability of accommodation under s.202 of the Housing Act 1996 as amended and reviews of the discharge or cessation of duty for applicants refusing suitable offers of accommodation.
To make and notify all statutory decisions arising from the review process, including decisions whether to provide temporary accommodation pending the completion of reviews and Appeals, and the Council’s final decision on review, completing risk assessments as required. g.
To conduct reviews requested under s.166a of the Housing Act 1996 and to respond to any legal challenges regarding the lawfulness of the council’s Housing Allocation Scheme

Knowledge & Experience

A detailed knowledge of The Homelessness (Review Procedure etc.) Regulations 2018 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance, relevant case law regarding homelessness reviews, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the housing reviews process and applications for housing assistance.
Working knowledge of housing law relating to Homelessness legislation, the Council’s Allocations policy, security of tenure and the rights and duties of private rented sector tenants and landlords, including protection from eviction and associated legal processes.
A detailed knowledge of welfare benefits and welfare reform issues, immigration law and policy development

Skills

The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with customers, legal representatives, advocates, senior managers and members of the Council and other stakeholders on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues.
The ability to write statutory decision letters, reports and briefings on relevant legal issues for a variety of customers, stakeholders and other agencies, addressing, interpreting and implementing legislative changes and other legal developments in the context of local practice and policy
The ability to evaluate the service’s policy and practice relating to legal issues, and to identify and contribute to service improvements through changes in working practices, training and coaching
The ability to organise and prioritise work to statutory deadlines and targets and to work effectively under pressure and to work with initiative and minimum supervision as required.
The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to contribute to policy development and partnership arrangements

Reviews Office

Job Description