Contract to start ASAP

Duration: 12 weeks with a possible extension.

Responsibilities:

To carry out high quality, timely reviews of homelessness decisions (negative homeless decisions, suitability, discharge of duty) under section 202 of the Housing Act 1996; , reviews functions under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017; part VI reviews of Housing register assessment's and housing offers through choice-based lettings

Manage cases that go to section 204 appeal in the County Court and to further appeal in the higher courts: judicial reviews and other housing court challenges

To reduce the need for provision of temporary accommodation and resulting expenditure by ensuring effective and timely reviews but also offering good quality options, prevention and relief advice as part of reviews casework

To take responsibility for the recording of high quality, key data on all types of reviews which support the submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government ensuring key trends on homelessness, the causes and solutions is available.

Also ensuring information on homelessness and allocations as it relates to reviews is available for analysis locally to support the management of demand and response to trends

This is a specialist role that will be at the forefront of the new reviews functions following the introduction of the Homelessness Act 2017.

This position is fundamental to the provision of housing advice and homelessness services to vulnerable customers who may approach the council for assistance as a result of the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reductions Act 2017 duties, and other key housing legislation, alongside the Children Act and the Care Act.

This is a specialist role that will be at the forefront of the prevention of homelessness, and at the cutting edge following the introduction of the Homelessness Act 2017.

In particular the new review and appeal duties created will require adapting to enable the service to comply with the emerging new regime.

Contribute as a member of the Reviews and Service Improvement team.

Managing all aspects of own casework in association with all reviews carried out, keeping detailed case notes, liaising with the customer and their advocates, and responding to solicitors and other correspondence within target and to a very high standard

Providing any necessary input on cases that are appealed in the County Court and beyond, preparing witness statements and responses to appeal as required in conjunction other officers and managers, and the Council's Legal Department.

Taking appropriate decisions on requests for interim accommodation pending review or county court appeal.

Supporting the response to emergency judicial review applications in a timely and professional way on topics including failure to accommodate pending review, suitability of temporary accommodation offered under s.193, and to work with Legal Services to defend all legal challenges.

Respond to pre action protocol letters in cases of threatened Judicial Review proceedings and take appropriate action to ensure the Council complies with its statutory obligations to homeless households.

Carrying out reviews of suitability of temporary accommodation, private rented sector offers and discharges of the homelessness duty including as a result of refusal of part VI offers.

Considering full customers vulnerability under either the law on housing, the Care Act 2014, or the Children Act 1989

Providing appropriate contributions to the development of high-quality Personalised Housing Plans.

Effectively assess customers support needs, record and act on these, making referrals for resettlement support as required

Conduct non statutory reviews of allocations scheme decisions under part VI of the Housing Act 1996, including decisions on qualification and level of preference.

Carrying out high quality and compliant new Homelessness Reduction Act reviews of the prevention, relief and main duty requirements, and accommodation offers.

Supporting learning from reviews and other casework and assist in improving the consistency of decision making and quality of decisions by raising and working through issues that arise on reviews with Housing Solutions Officers & Team Leaders, Housing Supply Team Leader & Officers, Acquisitions & TA Team Leader and Officers and Suitability Officers.

Supporting innovation within the service through the application of best practice housing and homelessness solutions as a means of mitigating the negative impact of welfare reforms.

Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

OR106158-06-26