Housing Reviews Officer

Are you an experienced Housing Reviews Officer with strong statutory homelessness review experience? This is an excellent opportunity for a specialist housing officer with experience in Section 202 reviews, Section 204 appeals, challenges to the suitability of temporary accommodation, and housing allocation review work. Work pattern: 1 day in the Office

As Housing Reviews Officer, you will independently review and determine statutory housing decisions in line with legislation, statutory guidance, case law and policy. You will manage complex evidence, assess legal risk and produce clear, balanced and defensible review decisions.

You will play a key role in ensuring review decisions are fair, lawful, evidence-based and completed within statutory timescales.

• Determining Section 202 homelessness reviews, temporary accommodation suitability reviews and discharge of duty decisions.
• Reviewing housing register, allocations and reasonable preference decisions in line with policy and statutory requirements.
• Analysing complex case files, legal submissions, medical evidence, safeguarding information and professional reports.
• Writing clear, legally robust review decision letters, including minded-to letters where required.
• Identifying legal, financial, operational and reputational risks and escalating complex matters with recommendations.
• Liaising with Legal Services, solicitors, advocates and Counsel on appeals, legal challenges and defended decisions.
• Providing technical advice, feedback and guidance to housing officers and managers to improve decision-making.
• Supporting responses to complaints, Ombudsman enquiries, Member enquiries and MP enquiries where specialist input is needed.

• Minimum 2 years' experience undertaking Section 202 homelessness reviews.
• Strong working knowledge of Section 204 appeals, homelessness legislation, suitability requirements and relevant case law.
• Experience producing legally sound, evidence-based and clearly reasoned review decisions.
• Solid knowledge of Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Experience handling complex homelessness, temporary accommodation or housing allocations casework.
• Excellent written communication, analytical reasoning and case management skills.
• Confidence working with sensitive information and vulnerable applicants in a professional, fair and respectful manner.

Diamond Blaque is acting as the employment business for this vacancy. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.