Reviews Officer (Homelessness)

Reviews Officer (PO3) – Housing Solutions Service Location: London Borough (Hybrid working) Salary: PO3 Service Area: Resident Services – Housing Solutions Role Type: Principal Officer / Manager Level About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Reviews Officer to deliver a high‑quality statutory reviews service under Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996 . This is a pivotal role ensuring that homelessness and housing allocation decisions are robust, legally compliant, customer‑focused, and completed within statutory timescales. You will play a key part in protecting the Council from litigation, improving decision‑making across the service, and ensuring customers receive fair, accurate and timely outcomes. Key Responsibilities Conduct all statutory reviews under s202 Housing Act 1996 , issuing clear, legally robust decision letters within statutory deadlines. Manage reviews relating to Parts VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996 , the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 , and related legislation. Liaise with customers, legal representatives and internal teams to agree extensions, communicate outcomes, and support follow‑up actions such as temporary accommodation repossession. Work closely with Legal Services on County Court appeals, judicial reviews, and letters before action, providing expert advice and drafting witness statements where required. Issue decisions on temporary accommodation during reviews and appeals, ensuring decisions reflect public law principles and case law. Provide constructive feedback to officers where first‑instance decisions cannot be upheld, supporting service improvement and reducing future challenges. Maintain accurate records of all legal challenges and ensure the service database is updated with relevant developments. Contribute to service planning, policy development, and process improvements across Housing Solutions.

About You You will bring strong analytical skills, excellent legal understanding, and the ability to communicate complex decisions clearly and sensitively. You will be confident working with customers, advocates, and senior stakeholders, often in emotive or challenging circumstances. Essential Skills & Experience Strong commitment to high‑quality customer care. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience drafting complex correspondence and reports in a housing or casework environment. High level of IT proficiency, including case management systems and report production. Ability to negotiate effectively and defend the Council’s interests. Detailed understanding of public law principles , homelessness legislation, statutory guidance, and relevant case law. Ability to identify weaknesses in decision‑making and recommend improvements. Knowledge of County Court procedures and s204 appeals .

Qualifications 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.

What We Offer A role where your expertise directly improves outcomes for vulnerable residents. Opportunities to influence service development and legal compliance. Supportive management and access to ongoing professional development. A collaborative environment working with Legal Services, Housing Needs teams, and external partners.