Location
Hounslow

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£49,056 per annum

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Homelessness, Independence and Preventative Service at the London Borough of Hounslow. The service adopts a preventative approach across housing, health, and social care agendas. Your primary focus will be on the statutory independent reviews function following homelessness decisions and housing allocations, ensuring decisions comply with the Council’s legal responsibilities.

You will implement statutory reviews provisions of homelessness and allocations legislation, taking account of relevant Codes of Guidance, case law, and policy. The role requires comprehensive and expert knowledge of housing functions, related law, and statutory guidance sufficient to handle legal challenges.

Key responsibilities include carrying out thorough enquiries and investigations of complaints, reviews, and legal challenges under Parts 6 and 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), ensuring decisions are compliant with legislation, case law, and policy, and issued within statutory timeframes. You will lead on section 204 (Housing Act) appeals against the council’s review decisions, working with solicitors and providing instructions as necessary.

Additionally, you will support the service on a full range of statutory housing compliance responsibilities relating to strategy, tenure-blind tenancy placements, and policy and procedures across housing.

The role is central to the Council’s response to homelessness, contributing to reducing the use of temporary accommodation and achieving upstream prevention outcomes.

About Us
The London Borough of Hounslow is an outstanding council serving one of London’s most diverse boroughs. With visionary leadership, a dynamic Cabinet, and a can-do culture, we have built strong partnerships to transform how we serve our community. Hounslow is a place full of potential and diversity, and we are committed to stepping up for our residents like never before.

We live by five core values: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix, and Be a Rock. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of all our work. We are a Disability Confident Employer and make reasonable adjustments to accommodate candidates.

Our Benefits
Joining us gives you access to a range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth.

Experience
- Extensive knowledge and experience of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience working with vulnerable people and leading multi-disciplinary housing teams.
- Expert knowledge of homelessness and associated legislation.
- Experience in dealing with statutory decisions and legal challenges.
- Expert knowledge of housing case law, homelessness legislation, private sector tenancy law, and good practice.

Key legislative knowledge includes:
- The Housing Act 1996, including amendments by the Homelessness Act 2002, Localism Act 2012, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Landlord and Tenant Law, including the Housing Act 1985 and Prevention from Eviction Act 1977.
- Welfare Reform Act 2012 and DWP guidance on personal and housing-related benefits.
- Statutory requirements related to social housing allocations and Local Authority Allocations Policies.
- Working knowledge of Family Law Act 1996, Children Acts 1989 and 2004, Human Rights Act 1998, Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Community Care Act 2000, and Care Act 2014.

About You
- An expert communicator able to engage effectively with applicants, colleagues, and elected members.
- Skilled in motivating, influencing, negotiating, and persuading to achieve multi-disciplinary outcomes.

Qualifications
- A degree or equivalent qualification is desirable, preferably a law degree.
- Basic DBS check is required for this role.