JOB TITLE Reviews Officer
POST NUMBER 014231
WEEKLY WORKING HOURS 37
SALARY RANGE £44,711 to £47,754 pa – pro rata for hours worked
TYPE OF CONTRACT Permanent
LOCATION Stevenage
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an opportunity to join the busy Community, Advice & Support service. The role of The Reviews Officer involves providing a robust reviewing process in relation to statutory and non-statutory decisions issued by Stevenage Borough Council, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and understandings across Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act (as amended), taking into account the relevant legislation, case law and the Homeless Code of Guidance.
A DBS check will be carried out for this post.
ABOUT YOU
The successful candidate will have:
- In depth knowledge of Housing and Housing legislation namely the Housing Act 1996, (as amended)
- Independently review decisions made by Housing Options Caseworkers and the Allocations Team, issue formal decisions, and interview applicants as needed to ensure a comprehensive review process.
- Liaise directly with legal and advocacy services on complex decisions, ensuring the Council meets its statutory obligations.
- Manage County Court challenges to review decisions, including drafting witness statements, coordinating with the Legal Department, and attending court when necessary.
- Respond to Members' inquiries, customer complaints, and Ombudsman queries within specified timelines, adhering to the Council’s values for a customer-focused service.
- Collaborate with the Housing Options Manager and Senior Housing Options Caseworkers to enhance decision-making quality within the service.
OUR BENEFITS
• Pension Scheme: We offer a career average pension scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
• Flexible working: available upon request, subject to operational requirements.
• Part time and Job share opportunities - all our full-time vacancies are open to job share unless otherwise stated.
• A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave, maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.
• 25 days holiday rising to 31 days (depending on Local Government service)
• An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues
• Season ticket loans and discounts for public transport
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Stevenage Credit Union: secure savings, free life insurance and access to cheap loans.
• Employee Discounts: via monthly paid membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)
• Discounted Health and Fitness membership
• Trade Unions: For a small fee, all employees have the opportunity to join a Trade Union.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be made on online - please visit https://jobs.stevenage.gov.uk/StevenageBorough/Home
For an informal discussion about this role please contact
Name Zania Fox
Job Title Housing Options Manager
Phone Number 01438 242242
Email Housing.Options@stevenage.gov.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: Sunday 16 February 2025
Interviews will be held week commencing: Monday 17 February 2025
Please note that if we receive a large volume of applications for this role, we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.
Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and recruitment candidates to share this commitment. SBC shall take all reasonable steps to employ staff who are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For posts identified with regular contact with these groups applicants will be required to undertake a Value Based Interview. The council supports the legislative requirements for employing and maintaining safer staff and the guidance specified by Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board
Stevenage Borough Council is committed to Equal Opportunities for All. For further information please click https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/about-the-council/equality-and-diversity