4Recruitment Services are seeking a Housing Appeals and Reviews Officer to work for our client based in Hackney. The client will allow hybrid working. Purpose of the role: The Appeals and Reviews Officer will be responsible for the statutory review and appeals processes for Homelessness applications, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Housing Register applications. To investigate, resolve and respond to all appeals and reviews within set time frames. To deliver an efficient, high quality and customer-focussed service for a diverse client group including high numbers of vulnerable and disadvantaged households To promote and maintain a culture of robust performance management, focussing the efforts of staff on the achievement of specified targets and objectives and making best use of available resources. To work co-operatively across the Benefits and Housing Needs Service to promote an effective, efficient and holistic service to residents in the borough. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Carrying out all homelessness and housing register reviews within the prescribed legislative timescale and with regards to current legislations, case laws and policy. Working closely with Team Manager to minimise legal challenges. Monitor and report on Judicial Reviews and other legal and Ombudsman challenges and enquiries. Attending court on behalf of the Council in County Court and High Court matters and working with the Team Manager on relevant issues to protect the Council’s interests Identify and monitor outstanding appeals and reviews to ensure that they are completed within agreed timescales. Work closely with other departments, teams and external agencies to ensure the Council meets its legal responsibilities across a range of legislation for all customers ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: Must be highly experienced in dealing with Part VI Housing Register Appeals and Part VII Homelessness Reviews. Need to be able to commute to the County Courts to attend s204 appeal hearing as required in order to fulfil the needs of the servic Extensive knowledge of at least one of the following disciplines: Homeless assessments and reviews under part 7 Housing Act 1996 (as amended Homelessness Act 2002) and associated case law, policy, guidance and good practice. Housing allocation under part 6 Housing Act 1996 and relevant legislation, case law, policy, guidance and good practice. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes; and the legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and practice associated with these disciplines. Broad knowledge of other related legislation, including Council Tax, welfare benefits and housing. Experience and detailed knowledge of the use of information communication technology as it relates to Benefits, including claims assessment experience. Have at least 3 experience of working within a Housing Benefit or Homelessness/Housing allocation Department. Substantial experience of casework involving and expert knowledge of Housing Benefit Law, Council Tax Benefit Law, Housing Law, Localism Act, EEC Regulations, Asylum and Immigration Acts, The Children’s Act, Family and Matrimonial Law, Mental Health Act and guidance applicable to these areas. A full JD is available on request What we offer: 24 hour one on one specialist consultant based within your geographical area 4Recruitment Services Employee Benefits Programme Our own dedicated payroll support ensuring you get the full benefits of your payment Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer. To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)