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 are working 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 innovate 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 has an exciting opportunity for a Reviews and Monitoring Officer to join our dynamic team in a full time and fixed term contract (12 months). This contract is offered on a hybrid basis which is a combination of working from home and office.

As a Reviews and Monitoring Officer, you will assist and support the senior officer in carrying out statutory reviews and investigations on homelessness and general needs housing decisions made by Housing Solutions and Senior Housing Solutions Officers. You will support detailed, objective and factual reviews and investigations on all appeals on homeless and housing decisions in line with legislation under Housing Act 1996, part 6 and 7 as amended and extended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You will also carry out detailed investigation on appeals or reviews on the suitability of offers of accommodation made by the Council or South Essex Homes, to applicants.

You will conduct investigations and interviews both face to face and over the phone and be able to communicate effectively to all concerned ensuring that information cannot be misinterpreted at any time. You will maintain and apply a detailed understanding of case law and judicial reviews in all cases and update knowledge on a regular basis in line with new legislation and policy, acting as the lead in this area for the wider service.

To be successful in this role, previous experience of working as either Housing / Homelessness officer or legal assistant or paralegal will be highly desirable. It is essential that you have strong knowledge of parts 6 & 7 of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. It Strong working knowledge of caselaw, Acts, statutory amendments and guidance relating to homelessness and private sector accommodation is highly desirable for this role. In depth knowledge of other key legislation, including, but not limited to, the Children’s Act 2004 and the Immigration Act 1971 will be highly desirable but not essential.

You must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships. It is essential that you are competent in using systems for data entry, monitoring, and reporting. You must be organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Previous experience of Statutory homelessness reviews and Suitability reviews will be highly advantageous.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

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

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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. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.