Location: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Rate: £32.03 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Temporary (3–6 Months)
Pay: Bi-weekly
The Reviews Officer is a temporary role, lasting 3 to 6 months, focused on conducting statutory homelessness reviews under Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996. This position is crucial for ensuring the delivery of legally compliant homelessness services. The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing complex housing decisions, investigating representations, assessing legal and factual evidence, and preparing robust review decisions in line with homelessness legislation, statutory guidance, and case law. Collaboration with Housing Options, Accommodation Placement Teams, Legal Services, and partner agencies is essential to ensure legal compliance and excellent service delivery.
Statutory Reviews:
- Conduct Section 202 Homelessness Reviews under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
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Review decisions on eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentional homelessness, local connection, suitability of accommodation, and duty owed.
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Ensure reviews are completed within statutory timescales.
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Review Investigations:
- Conduct detailed investigations and evidence gathering.
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Review housing application records, assessments, correspondence, and supporting evidence.
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Evaluate facts objectively and make legally robust recommendations.
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Decision Making:
- Draft clear, comprehensive, and legally defensible review decisions.
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Apply relevant legislation, regulations, statutory guidance, and case law.
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Ensure decisions are fully reasoned and supported by evidence.
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Accommodation & Placement Expertise:
- Review decisions relating to accommodation offers.
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Assess suitability of temporary and permanent accommodation arrangements.
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Work closely with Accommodation Placement Teams regarding offers and discharge of duty decisions.
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Partnership Working:
- Liaise with Housing Options Teams, Accommodation Placement Teams, Legal Services, Temporary Accommodation Teams, external support providers, and other local authorities.
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Build positive working relationships across internal and external services.
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Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Homelessness Code of Guidance, Review Procedures Regulations, and relevant case law.
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Service Improvement:
- Monitor quality and compliance within review processes.
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Identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
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Contribute to continuous service development and best practice initiatives.
Requirements:
Knowledge:
- Detailed knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Section 202 Reviews, Homelessness Code of Guidance, Review Procedures Regulations, and relevant housing case law.
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Understanding of homelessness duties and accommodation suitability requirements.
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Experience:
- Minimum 2–4 years' continuous experience conducting Section 202 Homelessness Reviews.
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Experience preparing legally robust review decision letters.
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Experience reviewing homelessness decisions within a Local Authority setting.
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Experience making accommodation offers under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
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Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent investigative and analytical skills.
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Strong written communication and report-writing abilities.
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Ability to draft legally sound decision letters.
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Strong decision-making skills and attention to detail.
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Ability to interpret legislation and case law effectively.
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Strong organisational and time-management skills.
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Qualifications:
- Relevant housing qualification or equivalent experience within homelessness and housing services.
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CIH qualification or equivalent professional housing qualification is desirable.
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This is a 3–6 month temporary contract.
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Rate: £32.03 per hour (Umbrella).
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Location: London Borough of Waltham Forest.
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Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis.
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Section 202 Review experience is essential.
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Experience managing Accommodation Placement Teams is highly desirable.
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London Local Authority homelessness experience is highly desirable.
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Opportunity to work within a high-performing Housing Needs Service.
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Immediate start available.
