The Role

We are seeking to appoint two experienced Housing Reviews Officer to join our Housing Reviews Team.  You will require decision making experience across both s184 and s202 of the Housing Act 1996 as amended as well as a detailed knowledge of the reviews undertaken in accordance within the provisions of the authority’s Allocation Scheme.

The Housing Reviews Team fulfil an important function on behalf of Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, ensuring that the decision making process is both fair and legislatively compliant. You will be required to demonstrate both a detailed technical knowledge in conjunction with the ability to apply your skills and knowledge in a practical way in keeping with the ethos of the service and observing the values and behaviour standards.

The Housing Reviews Team carry out the statutory reviews under s202 of the Housing Act 1996 relating to the acceptance and ending of duties and suitability of accommodation relating to both temporary, final settled offers in relief and settled offers of accommodation under s193. You will also assist with reviews where previously accepted duty has been discharged under s193 of the Act and conduct reviews of decisions made in accordance with the provisions of each Council’s Allocation Scheme.

Whilst you will not be an autonomous decision maker, you will assist the Senior Housing Reviews Officer and Housing Reviews Manager with inquiries on review, making detailed assessment of fact and drafting decision letters, paying attention to detail and with the ability to meet deadlines without prompting.

You will be an experienced and motivated candidate with a sound knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 as amended, in particular Parts VI and VII and you will have a detailed knowledge of the Homeless Reduction Act with a good understanding of how the new legislation has impacted our homelessness duties.

Working across Richmond and Wandsworth Councils as part of the Housing Reviews Team, you will be expected to work in both borough locations as required.

As part of your usual duties you will be expected to;

5. Possess a detailed knowledge of parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, as well as a working knowledge of relevant case law which you will apply when undertaking any statutory review.
5. Carry out relevant inquiries and maintain accurate, detailed notes in a timely manner.
5. To develop and maintain a good standard of knowledge relating to each council’s policies and strategies and apply this knowledge in the context of a review.
5. Possess excellent writing skills and be able to draft detailed, fully particularised robust decisions of a sufficient standard so as to withstand any further challenge and which address the relevant legislation and objective argument(s) in relation to that review.
6. Contribute positively and proactively to service development and learning across the wider housing service, which will include providing training to officers and managers involved in the assessment of applications made to each council.
5. Work collaboratively with the wider housing service providing feedback and guidance to original decision makers.
5. Work in conjunction with the Housing Reviews Manager or other senior officer when assessing requests for the provision of interim accommodation and where refusal is appropriate to draft detailed decisions setting out the Council’s reason for that refusal.
5. Participate in team duties such as the recording of review requests, maintaining and accurately updating databases and team mailboxes.
5. Liaise with each Council’s legal representatives and attend Court when required.
5. Have contact with clients and their representatives by phone and in person and to be able to demonstrate a calm, professional disposition when communicating the Council’s position or obtaining information relevant to the review.
5. Possess an analytical, investigative approach towards your work and have the ability to critically appraise information and communicate complex decision making in writing. You will also be expected to use the findings of your review work to identify opportunities for service improvement and good practice.
5. You will be expected to work as part of an established team as well as on your own initiative and demonstrate a positive, enthusiastic and professional approach to your work

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include compressed hours, home working (dependent on service need), part-time working and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date   6th September 2020

Shortlisting week commencing W/C 7th September 2020

Interview date: TBC  Please note the selection process may also include a test.

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

For an informal discussion please contact: Jo Fraser-Ellis – Housing Reviews Manager.

Email: jo.fraser-ellis@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk                                         

Tel:  0208 871 5285                    

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils