Homelessness Reviews Officer (temp: West London)

A fantastic opportunity has emerged for a homelessness reviews officer to join the housing options department at one of Adecco's most improved local government clients for the next 2-3 months (with every possibility of an extension should you perform well).

Our client is based in Maidenhead but this role is predominantly working from home. You will be working 37 hours each week (Monday to Friday) and undertaking many of the duties of the current Housing Performance Manager role but concentrating on reviews, complaints, FOIs etc.

Key elements of the role include:

* Undertaking complex enquiries to inform the decision making process and to carry out statutory and non-statutory reviews under current legislation particularly S202 of the Housing Act 1996 Part VI & Part VII, as amended, taking into account relevant case law and the Homelessness Codes of Guidance.
* Responding to threats of judicial review with expediency, preparing counter responses to legal arguments brought under the Rules of Administrative Justice Act.
* Authorising or refusing continuing discretionary temporary accommodation pending review or appeal, making such decisions in line with the prevailing legislation and case law.
* Instructing the Council's Legal Department and/or legal contractor in the conduct of litigation.
* Attending court hearings to represent the Council and to provide assistance to counsel as necessary on behalf of the local authority e.g. on the interpretation of the council and company procedures and policies as well as detailed information on the matter under litigation.
* Providing guidance to homeless officers on the suitability of accommodation allocated by the Authority including offers made under Part VI and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
* Assessing and managing the risks associated with litigation on the basis of the strength of the presenting case, making recommendation to the team manager or head of service regarding possible risks of Judicial Review.
* Maintaining and applying a detailed knowledge of legislation, statutory guidance and case law and to apply this knowledge in the duties of the post.
* Preparing and presenting detailed reports to senior managers within the service on the outcome of court hearings and its implications to the local authority.

Significant experience and knowledge of court processes relating to judicial review is key for this role. Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria and can start on short notice (2 weeks' notice maximum) need apply for this role, as our client is keen to hire as soon as possible to this post.