At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct independent reviews of homelessness and housing allocation decisions to ensure fairness.
- Company: Lambeth Council, committed to equity and community support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by ensuring lawful housing solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in statutory homelessness reviews and strong legal knowledge required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on improving housing outcomes for vulnerable residents.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
To provide a robust, independent and legally compliant statutory review and appeals service, undertaking reviews of homelessness and housing allocation decisions in line with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and Lambeth Council's statutory duties. The postholder will ensure that review decisions are lawful, defensible and capable of withstanding legal, political and public scrutiny, while delivering fair outcomes for residents with complex housing needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Statutory Reviews & Decision Making
- Conduct independent statutory reviews under s202 Housing Act 1996, ensuring decisions are lawful, reasoned and issued within statutory timescales.
- Act at a senior level to Housing Officers, reviewing decisions where applicants are dissatisfied with homelessness or housing allocation outcomes.
- Write and issue formal statutory review decisions on behalf of the Council.
- Legal & Court Work
- Apply detailed knowledge of: Housing Act 1996 (as amended), Homelessness Reduction Act, Homelessness Code of Guidance, Review Regulations, Relevant homelessness case law.
- Liaise with and instruct Legal Services on Housing Act appeals and Judicial Review matters.
- Represent the Council in County Court where required.
- Manage and mitigate Judicial Review risks, ensuring early intervention where appropriate.
- Risk, Cost & Reputation Management
- Manage and control the use of temporary accommodation during review and appeal processes.
- Protect the Council from unlawful decisions, reputational damage and unnecessary legal costs.
- Ensure decisions meet internal quality standards and external legal scrutiny.
- Multi-Agency & Stakeholder Working
- Work professionally with: Service users and their representatives, Solicitors and advocates, MPs, councillors and the Ombudsman, Statutory agencies, voluntary and third-sector organisations.
- Attend case conferences relating to high-risk and vulnerable households, including those with complex needs (e.g. mental health, substance misuse).
- Service Improvement & Quality Assurance
- Provide feedback to the Reviews Manager to improve frontline decision-making and reduce the number of reviews and appeals.
- Contribute to the development of procedures, guidance and customer information.
- Provide quality assurance to identify and address unlawful or poor-quality decisions.
- Records, Governance & Administration
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with information governance requirements.
- Prepare reports, correspondence and evidence for court and complaint proceedings.
- Carry out administrative duties required to support the Reviews Team.
- Other
- Deputise for the Reviews Manager when required.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post and grade.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
- Essential Experience
- Minimum 12 months' experience within the last 2 years undertaking statutory homelessness reviews under s202 Housing Act 1996.
- Minimum 12 months' experience within the last 2 years working in a Homelessness Reviews Officer / Housing Reviews Officer role.
- Proven experience issuing legally robust written review decisions.
- Essential Knowledge
- In-depth working knowledge of: Housing Act 1996 (Part 7), Homelessness Reduction Act, Review Regulations, Homelessness Code of Guidance, Relevant homelessness case law.
- Specialist understanding of the interaction between homelessness law and: Equality Act, Care Act, Mental Health Acts, Immigration legislation, Children Act, Welfare Reform legislation.
- Skills & Competencies
- Ability to analyse complex legal and factual information and reach sound decisions.
- Excellent written communication skills, particularly in drafting statutory decisions.
- Confidence dealing with legal professionals, courts and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and statutory timescales.
- Strong risk awareness and attention to detail.
Values & Behaviours
The postholder is expected to work in line with Lambeth Council's One Lambeth Values: Equity, Kindness, Accountability, Ambition, demonstrating fairness, professionalism, integrity and a resident-focused approach at all times.
Housing Solutions Reviews Officer – AR in London employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Reviews Officer – AR in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act and related legislation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of a Housing Solutions Reviews Officer. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each application to show why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your qualifications.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Reviews Officer – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the Housing Act 1996 and related legislation. We want to see that you can navigate the legal landscape with ease, so brush up on your knowledge before you start writing.
Show Off Your Experience: Highlight your previous experience in statutory homelessness reviews. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve handled complex cases and made legally robust decisions, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of the matter, especially when it comes to legal decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific cases or challenges. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex housing issues, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be drafting statutory decisions and liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a brief written example to demonstrate your writing skills during the interview.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Lambeth Council's One Lambeth Values: Equity, Kindness, Accountability, and Ambition. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work, especially when dealing with vulnerable residents.