Cessation OF Duty Officer

3 Month Contract with a Local Authority

To manage homelessness cases through to the lawful cessation of statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The role is responsible for assessing evidence, making legally compliant decisions, issuing statutory notifications, and ensuring residents understand their housing options, rights, and responsibilities.

Working within the Housing Needs Service, the postholder will support the Council's objective of reducing reliance on temporary accommodation through robust case management, high-quality decision-makhomelessing, and collaborative working with internal services and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of homelessness applications and cases through to the lawful conclusion of housing duties.
  


• Assess evidence, case histories, and housing circumstances to determine when statutory duties can be ended.
  


• Prepare and issue clear, accurate, and legally compliant statutory notifications and decision letters.
  


• Ensure all decisions are fully documented, evidence-based, and capable of withstanding review or legal challenge.
  


• Maintain and update Personal Housing Plans (PHPs), ensuring actions and outcomes are accurately recorded.
  


• Work proactively with applicants to encourage acceptance of suitable accommodation offers and sustainable housing solutions.
  


• Identify safeguarding concerns, vulnerabilities, and risks, escalating cases appropriately and participating in multi-agency responses where required.
  


• Communicate complex housing decisions clearly, sensitively, and professionally to residents and stakeholders.
  


• Support residents by providing advice on housing options, tenancy rights, welfare benefits, and support services.
  


• Maintain accurate case records and audit trails in line with statutory, operational, and information governance requirements.
  


• Work closely with Housing colleagues, Legal Services, Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
  


• Prepare case files and supporting documentation for reviews, complaints, and legal proceedings when required.
  


• Contribute to service improvement by identifying trends, sharing learning, and participating in training and continuous professional development activities.
  


• Apply trauma-informed and resident-centred approaches in all interactions and decision-making.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience managing homelessness, housing options, or other frontline housing caseloads.
  


• Good knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly duties under Sections 188 and 193 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  


• Experience making statutory housing decisions and preparing written notifications or case records.
  


• Strong understanding of housing options, welfare benefits, tenancy law, and landlord and tenant responsibilities.
  


• Ability to analyse information, assess risk, and make balanced, evidence-based decisions.
  


• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and legally defensible correspondence.
  


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and challenging conversations professionally and empathetically.
  


• Experience working with vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, mental ill-health, or exploitation.
  


• Experience maintaining accurate records and using housing or case management systems.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, and stakeholders.
  


• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  


• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.
  

Desirable

• Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Housing, Advice & Guidance, or a related discipline.
  


• Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
  


• Experience within a local authority homelessness or housing needs service.
  


• Knowledge of the Renters’ Rights Act and current housing legislation developments.
  


• Understanding of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) principles.
  


• Experience preparing cases for reviews, legal challenges, or appeals.
  


• Evidence of continuing professional development in housing, homelessness, safeguarding, or related fields.
  

Additional Information