Overview
Primary Job Function
To be responsible for statutory reviews of homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018. To be responsible for medical appeals and other Part VI reviews in accordance with Islington's Allocations Policy.
Duties And Responsibilities
* To manage and conduct the review process relating to Part VI and Part VII applications, including preparation of papers, minuting, following up decisions in writing and liaison with applicants and their advocates and other outside bodies.
* To conduct, determine and issue decisions on homeless reviews in compliance with statutory timescales, regulatory framework, the Homelessness Reviews Procedure, the Homeless Code of Guidance.
* To be senior in rank or grade to the officer who took the original decision, in compliance with statute.
* To conduct, determine and notify applicants of review decisions in line with legislation, good practice and case law.
* To write complex review decision letters, ensuring they comply with law, good practice and the need to communicate complicated legal concepts to Part V1 and Part V11 applicants in plain, accurate English.
* To ensure that statutory decisions are able to withstand political, media and legal scrutiny.
* To provide effective, professional Review and Appeal service on behalf of the Housing Options and Homelessness service.
* To maintain a knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance and caselaw.
* To ensure reviews are dealt with in accordance with the law and council policy.
* Manage a caseload and own time efficiently to ensure all deadlines are met.
* To liaise with applicants and their representatives regarding their application for review and review decisions in line with legislation, good practice and caselaw.
* To instruct legal services and provide recommendations concerning legal challenges arising from Part VI and Part VII decisions including attending court, giving evidence and providing witness statements.
* To determine and issue decisions regarding the provision of temporary accommodation pending 204 appeals.
* To determine the statutory requirements of the s202 Review and s204 Appeal processes, to ensure that the Council complies with these requirements on every case which is reviewed.
Education And Experience
* Extensive experience of working with applications for social housing
* Experience of working with homeless people in a multi-racial inner city environment
* Experience Of Legal Procedures And Court Work
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
* Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to homelessness and housing need, with particular reference to the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Act 2002.
* Knowledge of equalities legislation and good practice and its application in relation to housing services
* Knowledge and understanding of the Housing Departments objectives and policies and the ability to communicate these to colleagues and customers to help them understand decisions and service practices
* Ability to explain complex legal issues verbally and in writing
* Ability to make sound decisions in a high pressured environment
* Ability to set up and maintain systems and procedures to monitor performance
* Ability to prioritise and meet targets in accordance with Council policy
* Ability to liaise and communicate effectively with Councillors, senior management, members of the public and other organisations.
* Ability to gather, analyse, and interpret complex information and exercise good judgement on data when necessary
Note: LNKD1_UKTJ was removed as it does not pertain to the role and is not required for candidate guidance.
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