Location: Newham, London (including regular attendance at Court and community locations)
Roles: Two, initially on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract basis. To be reviewed within first 6 months.
Salary: £42,771 - £45,750
Closing Date: 30th March 2026
People at the heart of everything we do
In Newham, we are committed to a collaborative joint enterprise between our residents, the Mayor, and our staff. We are looking for a dedicated professional to join our Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service (HPAS) to deliver a specialist, court-based service that protects households facing eviction or repossession.
The Role
As a Homelessness Prevention Tenancy Relations Officer, you will be at the frontline of preventing homelessness. This is a high-impact, specialist role where you will attend possession hearings to provide on-the-day triage, advice, and advocacy for tenants. You will hold a limited caseload whilst providing wider support to HPAS regarding PRS Tenancy issues.
You will be a technical expert, navigating complex legislation such as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to identify misuse of possession grounds and secure adjournments that allow for vital prevention activity.
Key Responsibilities Include:
1. Court Advocacy & Representation: Representing the Council and tenants in court and tribunal proceedings, drafting witness statements, and negotiating with lenders and landlords.
2. Enforcement & Protection: Investigating breaches of housing legislation to assist with civil penalty notices and pursuing remedies like Rent Repayment Orders.
3. Strategic Prevention: Conducting comprehensive housing assessments and facilitating mediation to maintain tenancies or assist in moves to alternative settled accommodation.
4. Service Improvement: Using evidence from court proceedings to identify training needs for case officers and help shape the wider service design. You will work with the Senior Manager - Prevention directly. You will develop operational procedures for handoffs with the Private Sector Housing Team.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, "win-win" communicator who thrives under pressure. You should have a deep understanding of the housing issues facing a high-demand London authority and the empathy to treat every resident with respect, even when a preferred outcome isn't possible.
Requirements:
5. Expert Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Housing Act 1996, Renters’ Rights Act 2025, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
6. Experience: Proven track record of investigating legislative breaches, making statutory decisions, and producing legally robust reports.
7. Education: Degree-level education or equivalent experience. A CIH qualification, paralegal accreditation (AQS), or mediation training is highly desirable.
8. Adaptability: Ability to travel between offices (Stratford) and courts, often at short notice, and a willingness to work outside normal hours for emergencies.
Why Newham?
9. Professional Development: You will take an active role in service development and will be at the forefront of the new legislation.
10. Experience: Newham Council has the biggest PRS sector in London accounting for 40% of households. You will be at the forefront of the development of Local Authority response to the Renters Rights Act.
How to Apply Please submit your application form demonstrating clearly how you meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification. Specific examples are highly encouraged
Applications without a personal statement, or statements which do not highlight how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the Personal Specification will not be shortlisted.
Please view JD
Closing date: 30th March 2026
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
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