About Us

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Housing Reviews Officer to our Housing Reviews Team.

The Housing Reviews Team carry out 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.

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. You will have experience of making autonomous decisions under s184 and s202 of the Act and of decision governed by the provisions of an Allocation Scheme.

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. We offer flexible working arrangements but regular office attendance is expected.

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

1. 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.
2. Carry out relevant inquiries and maintain accurate, detailed notes in a timely manner.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Contribute positively and proactively to service development and learning across the wider housing service, which will include providing training to officers involved in the assessment of applications made to each council. 
6. Work collaboratively with the wider housing service providing feedback and guidance to original decision makers.
7. 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.
8. Participate in team duties such as the recording of review requests, maintaining and accurately updating databases and team mailboxes.
9. Liaise with each Council’s legal representatives and attend Court when required.
10. 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.
11. 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. 
12. 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 

In addition to the above responsibilities you will also assist the Housing Reviews Manager in the day to day allocation of work to the Housing Reviews Team and to provide guidance on the interpretation of complex legislation and the statutory duties of the Council on relevant legislation and enactment of law and ensure implementation of any subsequent changes arising from amendments in statute and guidance.

You will also assist the Housing Reviews Manager with coordinating the review function and ensuring that decisions are robust, high quality and transparent, ensuring that reviews are conducted in compliance with the statutory timescales, regulatory framework and the Code of Guidance.

Although the role does not involve direct staff line management you will also be responsible for providing guidance and instruction to Housing Reviews Officers regarding the nature and extent of appropriate enquiries. You will be expected to carry out regular case management as well as monitoring casework quality so as to ensure that decisions are defendable on appeal. 

You will be an experienced decision maker and have a detailed knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and with regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance 2017 and the relevant Council’s Allocation Schemes.

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) and a generous holiday allowance of 32 days plus bank holidays (40 days). 

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: 10^th November 2023

Shortlisting week commencing 13^th November 2023

Interviews week commencing 20 November 2023

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