Homeless Review Officer

Make a Difference. Shape Better Homelessness Decisions.

Ashford Borough Council is committed to delivering high-quality housing services that support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable Homelessness Review Officer to lead on the delivery of our statutory homelessness review function.

This is an exciting opportunity for a housing professional with a strong understanding of homelessness legislation and decision-making to undertake independent reviews of homelessness decisions under Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996.

Reporting to the Housing Options Manager, you will investigate and determine statutory homelessness reviews, considering complex legislation, guidance and case law.

The role also offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative future service. As the Council develops a chargeable homelessness review and training service for other local authorities, you will contribute specialist expertise, help establish service standards and support the delivery of professional training programmes.

You will be responsible for:

Conducting statutory homelessness reviews under Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996.
Investigating cases, gathering evidence and producing detailed, legally robust decision letters.
Providing specialist advice on homelessness legislation and case law.
Supporting Section 204 appeals and liaising with Legal Services where cases progress to the County Court.

It is essential that you can confidently analyse complex information and make sound, defensible decisions and have extensive experience of homelessness casework and decision-making within a local authority or similar environment, along with having:

 

A thorough understanding of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated case law.
Experience of writing detailed reports, recommendations or decision letters.
Excellent analytical, investigation and communication skills.
A Level 4 housing qualification (or equivalent) or be working towards one, or have equivalent relevant experience.

 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Syliva Roberts on 01233 330804

If you are an employee of Ashford Borough Council and wish to apply then please log into iTrent self service via the link in the self-service section of the smarthub Click on current vacancies on the home page

 Click to view a Job Description

Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.       Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Local Government Reorganisation proposals have been announced on the 16 July 2026 and  Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities.  This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community