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Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a senior reviews and monitoring officer to join the housing solution team on full-time and interim basis (up to 3 months). This post is being offered as predominantly remote working (max 1 day in the office).

As a senior reviews and monitoring officer, you will be responsible for carrying out reviews and investigations on homelessness and general needs housing decisions and dealing with all customer complaints and queries. You will carry out detailed, objective and factual reviews and investigations of all appeals on homeless and housing decisions in line with legislation under the Housing Act 1996, part 6 and 7 as amended and extended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You must be able to interpret complex legislation, not only restricted to the Housing Act, but including the Asylum and Immigration Act and welfare rights law in the investigation and application of appeals and reviews.

You will liaise with Solicitors and other legal experts where necessary in the preparation and presentation of witness statements in the case of a judicial review. You will advise and support the Housing Solutions Team Manager and other staff on case law changes affecting housing functions and highlight good and bad practice within the department to ensure a continuous commitment to service improvement.

Although this role is hybrid, it will be predominantly remote working.

To be successful in this role, you must have working knowledge of parts 6 & 7 of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002.
and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You must have strong knowledge of caselaw, Acts, statutory amendments and guidance relating to homelessness and private sector accommodation. Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation and private sector housing issues is also essential for this role.

To be considered for this role, you must be educated to certificate Level with Chartered Institute of Housing or other appropriate management qualification and hold a legal certificate/qualification.

Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing is highly desirable but not essential.

If you're interested in either role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.