Tenancy Investigations Officer

Description

Our local government clients in East London are recruiting a Tenancy Investigations Officer to play a crucial role in protecting social housing stock for those in genuine need. You will be responsible for providing a comprehensive investigation service into cases of tenancy fraud. Working with minimal supervision, your primary goal will be to undertake investigations from referral to conclusion, obtaining the necessary evidence to support the repossession of misused properties and ensure fairness in our housing system. This role is vital for ensuring the housing services operate with integrity and that internal controls are adequate.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Conducting Investigations: You will manage a caseload of tenancy fraud investigations, carrying out all aspects of the investigative work, including interviews, taking witness statements, and liaising with the police.

Gathering Evidence: You'll obtain information from various systems and sources to build robust cases for legal action, such as the recovery of unlawfully sublet properties or the refusal of 'Right to Buy' applications.

Reporting: You will prepare high-quality case reports and progress updates for senior management and stakeholders, ensuring all investigation records are meticulously maintained.

Collaboration & Training: You'll work closely with staff across social housing providers and external partners.

A key part of your role will be assisting in the development and delivery of fraud awareness training for housing staff.

Compliance: You must ensure all work is conducted in compliance with relevant legislation, including PACE, RIPA, DPA, and HRA, as well as policies and best-practice guidelines.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist, or
• significant practical experience in social housing tenancy fraud or comparable investigation work.
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

At the Shortlisting Stage, we will evaluate candidates based on the following qualifications and Experience Requirements. 

• We're looking for a self-motivated and experienced investigator who can handle pressure and meet strict deadlines. You will need to be a confident communicator, capable of dealing with people at all levels and remaining professional in potentially confrontational situations.
• Demonstrable experience working in a counter-fraud or investigative role, preferably within the public sector.
• A strong working knowledge of the legislative framework governing investigations, including PACE, CPIA, RIPA, the Fraud Act, and the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act (POSHFA).
• Good working knowledge of housing law, particularly the Housing Acts as they apply to sub-letting.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) with experience producing detailed reports and witness statements.
• The ability to organise and prioritise a large and varied workload, using your own initiative to drive cases forward.
• A willingness and ability to work flexibly outside of regular office hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends when an investigation demands it.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 3 Years References
• Enhanced DBS
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.