Housing Review Officer – AR

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