Reviews Officer – Homelessness (Housing)

About the role

This temporary position (16 weeks) supports the London Borough of Waltham Forest in delivering statutory homelessness reviews. Working 36 hours per week with two days on site, the officer will ensure decisions are legally robust and delivered within statutory timescales.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct s.202 homelessness reviews under the Housing Act 1996, assessing duty owed, suitability, priority need, intentionality and local connection.
• Apply the Homelessness Code of Guidance, Review Regulations and relevant case law to each case.
• Draft clear, legally defensible review decision letters within required deadlines.
• Collaborate with Housing Options & Support teams, Legal Services and external partner agencies.
• Monitor compliance, contribute to service improvement initiatives and support the Accommodation Placement Team.

Required profile

• Minimum three years’ experience in homelessness or housing services, preferably within a London local authority.
• Demonstrable experience conducting statutory s.202 reviews and making accommodation offers under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, HRA 2017 and related case law.
• Ability to manage detailed investigations, meet tight deadlines and produce high‑quality written reports.

Required skills

• In‑depth understanding of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Proficiency in drafting legally defensible review decisions.
• Experience working with multi‑disciplinary teams in a local authority setting.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £21.28 (PAYE, IR35 inside).
• Hybrid working model with two days per week in the office.
• Opportunity to contribute to a vital public service addressing homelessness.