This is a remote position.

Remote Part-Time Quality Assurance & Review Officer (Housing Allocations) – 3 Month Contract

Location: Remote

Rate: £34.93 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: 18 Hours Per Week (Part-Time)

Working Pattern: Fully Remote

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance & Review Officer to manage a backlog of statutory housing allocation reviews and support the implementation of a new Housing Allocations Policy. This pivotal role involves overseeing complex statutory reviews under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, ensuring that decisions are legally sound and well-reasoned. The successful candidate will provide expert advice on housing allocations legislation, policy interpretation, and case law, while also contributing to service improvements and policy implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve complex statutory reviews under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996.

• Ensure review decisions are of high quality and legally compliant.

• Apply housing legislation, statutory guidance, case law, and local policy in decision-making.

• Address existing review backlogs and ensure timely completion.

• Prepare review files and documentation for potential legal challenges.

• Collaborate with Legal Services on:

  • Pre-action correspondence

  • Judicial Review matters

  • Legal challenges

  • Complex allocation cases

• Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks.

• Provide specialized advice to officers, managers, and senior leaders.

• Assist in implementing the Council's new Housing Allocations Policy.

• Develop new processes and quality assurance measures.

• Promote consistency and best practices in housing allocations decision-making.

• Stay updated on legislative developments and emerging case law.

• Support service improvement initiatives from reviews, complaints, and policy changes.

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Housing Allocations and Housing Needs Services.

• In-depth knowledge of:

  • Part VI Housing Act 1996

  • Housing Allocations Legislation

  • Housing Law

  • Statutory Reviews

  • Allocation Policies

• Proven track record in determining statutory review cases.

• Ability to produce legally robust review decisions.

• Experience managing complex housing cases and investigations.

• Strong understanding of administrative law and decision-making principles.

• Experience working with Legal Services on challenges and litigation.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Ability to work independently and manage a specialized caseload.

Desirable

• Experience in implementing or reviewing Housing Allocation Policies.

• Experience with Judicial Reviews.

• Background in a Local Authority Housing Needs team.

• Awareness of current housing policy developments and best practices.

What's on Offer?

• £34.93 per hour (Umbrella)

• 3 Month Contract

• 18 Hours Per Week (Part-Time)

• Fully Remote Working

• Bi-Weekly Pay

• Opportunity to lead a significant housing allocations review program.

• Key role in supporting the implementation of a new Housing Allocations Policy.

• Exposure to complex statutory reviews, legal challenges, and policy development.

• Flexible part-time working arrangement.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Quality Assurance & Review Officer, Housing Allocations Officer, Senior Housing Officer, Housing Reviews Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Homelessness Reviews Officer, Housing Policy Officer, or Housing Appeals & Reviews Specialist.