Housing Review Officer – AR

Job Details

Housing Review Officer

Job Purpose

To act as the Council’s independent statutory review decision-maker for homelessness, temporary accommodation suitability, housing allocations and discharge of duty decisions.

The postholder will ensure all review decisions are fair, lawful, evidence-based and clearly reasoned, in accordance with housing legislation, statutory guidance, case law and Council policy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake complex statutory housing and homelessness reviews, including Section 202 reviews.
  • Review decisions relating to homelessness, temporary accommodation suitability and discharge of duty.
  • Consider housing allocations, housing register and reasonable preference decisions where required.
  • Analyse complex case files, original decisions, medical evidence, safeguarding information and professional reports.
  • Produce clear, detailed and legally robust review decision letters.
  • Make independent decisions to uphold, vary or overturn original decisions.
  • Ensure decisions are issued within statutory timescales and are capable of withstanding legal challenge.
  • Apply relevant legislation, including Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of Section 204 appeals, relevant case law and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
  • Liaise with Legal Services, solicitors, advocates and Counsel regarding appeals and legal challenges.
  • Identify and escalate legal, financial and reputational risks.
  • Provide specialist advice, guidance and feedback to Housing Officers and managers.
  • Support responses to Ombudsman, MP, Member and complaint enquiries.
  • Maintain accurate case records, audit trails and performance information.
  • Contribute to improvements in housing policies, procedures and decision-making.

Essential Experience and Skills

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience undertaking Section 202 (S202) homelessness reviews.
  • Proven experience producing legally sound and evidence-based review decisions.
  • Strong experience of complex homelessness and/or housing allocations casework.
  • Experience of statutory reviews, legal decision-making or quasi-legal housing decisions.
  • Strong knowledge of Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996.
  • Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Working knowledge of Section 202 reviews and Section 204 appeals.
  • Knowledge of housing case law, suitability requirements and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
  • Ability to analyse complex evidence, including medical, welfare and safeguarding information.
  • Excellent written communication and legal reasoning skills.
  • Experience managing complex caseloads and statutory deadlines.
  • Experience working with vulnerable applicants and sensitive or contentious cases.

Key Relationships

The postholder will work closely with:

  • Housing Demand and Homelessness Services
  • Housing Allocations
  • Temporary Accommodation
  • Legal Services
  • Tenancy Services
  • Social Care
  • Senior Managers
  • Applicants and their representatives
  • Solicitors and Counsel
  • MPs and Members
  • Ombudsman services and external agencies