At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct housing reviews and draft legally sound decision letters from home.
- Company: Join Connect2Dorset, a caring and ethical organisation supporting Dorset Council.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible remote work, and valuable experience in housing legislation.
- Other info: Short-term contract with potential for impactful work and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing decisions while working remotely for a reputable council.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in housing reviews and strong knowledge of homelessness legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 24 £ per hour.
Location: Remote
Contract Type: Temporary (6 weeks)
Salary: £25- £29 per hour (DOE)
Hours: 25 per week
About Us
Connect2Dorset is the managed service provider for Dorset Council, supplying high-quality temporary, contract, and interim staffing solutions across various departments. We are proud to be an ethical, trustworthy, and caring organisation.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Housing Reviews Officer to join Dorset Council on a fully remote, home-based basis (25 hours per week). This role involves carrying out statutory housing reviews under Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996. The successful candidate will have strong experience undertaking Section 202 reviews within a Local Authority setting and will be confident drafting detailed, legally robust decision letters. You will apply up-to-date legislation, statutory guidance, case law, and council policy to ensure high-quality, well-reasoned review decisions that are clearly communicated in plain English. This is a short-term temporary contract for 6 weeks, offering an opportunity to support the Council in delivering fair and legally compliant housing review decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out statutory reviews under Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996.
- Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements relating to Section 202 Reviews and Section 204 Appeals.
- Apply detailed knowledge of homelessness legislation including the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), the Homelessness Act 2002, the Localism Act 2011, and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant case law and its impact on statutory housing decisions.
- Interpret and apply Dorset Council's housing allocation policies and strategies within review decisions.
- Draft detailed, fully reasoned, and legally compliant decision letters capable of withstanding further legal challenge.
- Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively in plain English to applicants.
- Scrutinise case files and identify any further enquiries required prior to completing reviews.
- Carry out relevant enquiries and maintain accurate and comprehensive case notes.
- Review client information using the Council's housing management system (Huume).
- Negotiate calmly and objectively with distressed or dissatisfied applicants to achieve fair outcomes.
- Utilise Microsoft Office and other IT systems effectively in the production and management of review documentation.
Qualifications and Skills
- Minimum of 2 years' experience undertaking Part VI and Part VII statutory housing reviews within a Local Authority setting.
- Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, statutory guidance, and case law.
- Demonstrable experience drafting robust Section 202 review decision letters.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce detailed, legally sound decisions.
- Ability to interpret legislation and apply it accurately in complex housing cases.
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Experience reviewing housing case management systems (Huume desirable).
- Confident handling challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy.
- Advanced IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Housing Review Officer in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a fully remote working environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. As a trusted partner of Dorset Council, we pride ourselves on our ethical approach and commitment to employee development, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community through impactful housing reviews. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your expertise and fosters professional growth in a dynamic and rewarding role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Review Officer in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act and recent case law. Being able to discuss these confidently will show potential employers that you’re not just familiar with the legislation, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll need to explain complex legal concepts in plain English, try explaining them to a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Review Officer in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with housing reviews and relevant legislation. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use plain English to communicate your qualifications and experiences, just like you would in the decision letters for housing reviews. We appreciate clarity!
Showcase Your Legal Knowledge:Since this role involves applying complex legislation, make sure to mention your familiarity with the Housing Act and other relevant laws. We’re looking for someone who can navigate these legal waters confidently, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and its amendments, as well as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them but can apply them effectively in your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific housing review scenarios. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to draft decision letters or negotiate with applicants. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires clear communication of complex legal concepts, practice explaining these ideas in plain English. You might even want to prepare a brief explanation of a recent case law and how it impacts housing reviews to demonstrate your ability to simplify complex information.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Huume
If you have experience with housing management systems like Huume, be ready to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research to understand its functionalities. Showing that you’re tech-savvy and can quickly adapt to new systems will give you an edge.
