Reviews & Appeals Officer
Location: Romford
Job Type: Temporary
Duration of booking: 6 months with possible extension
Proposed start date: ASAP
Pay Rates: £22.55 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days: 36 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm – Hybrid role
Sector: Healthcare
Based: Office / Hospital
Role Purpose
The Reviews & Appeals Officer is responsible for conducting independent reviews and appeals relating to homelessness applications, suitability of accommodation, housing register decisions, and tenancy matters in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and related housing legislation.
The role supports the Council in delivering fair, lawful, and customer-focused housing decisions while minimising legal risk and improving outcomes for residents facing housing need or homelessness.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct statutory homelessness and housing reviews and produce legally compliant written decisions.
* Review suitability of accommodation and housing register appeals.
* Manage appeals relating to fixed-term and introductory tenancies.
* Prepare casework for County Court challenges, including witness statements and liaison with Legal Services.
* Conduct oral hearings with applicants and representatives where required.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation, case law, and guidance.
* Work closely with internal departments and external agencies to deliver effective housing solutions.
* Monitor review outcomes, performance data, and identify service improvements.
* Deliver high-quality housing advice and excellent customer service.
Essential Requirements
* Experience managing complex homelessness or housing casework.
* Strong knowledge of:
* Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
* Housing Act 1996
* Housing allocation legislation and case law.
* Experience writing detailed reports and legally robust decisions.
* Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
* Ability to manage challenging situations professionally and sensitively.
* Good IT and case management system skills.
Qualifications
* Relevant qualification or equivalent housing experience.
* GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
* Core Competencies
* Effective communication
* Customer-focused service delivery
* Problem solving and decision making
* Partnership working
* Equality, diversity, and professionalism