Cessation of Duty Officer

Our local authority client based in North London are urgently seeking an experienced Cessation of Duty Officer.

Hybrid working: 1 day a week in the office

Pay: £24.70 an hour PAYE

Job Role

The Cessation of Duty (COD) Officer is responsible for managing complex homelessness cases and making legally robust decisions regarding the discharge and cessation of statutory housing duties in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law. Given the complexity of the role, we need an experienced officer who can hit the ground running, manage cases with minimal supervision, and demonstrate strong decision-writing skills from the outset.

The roles requires the officer to Determines whether the Council can lawfully end its statutory homelessness duties. Conducts detailed legal enquiries before making a decision. Identifies gaps in evidence and directs further investigations. Reviews complex evidence from multiple professionals before reaching a decision. Interprets legislation, case law and statutory guidance. Applies legal tests to determine whether duties continue or cease.

Drafts robust minded-to and final decision letters capable of withstanding review or court scrutiny. Makes decisions that may end an applicant statutory housing right. Makes defensible decisions for the council.

• Investigates information.
• Challenges inconsistencies.
• Identifies missing evidence.
• Requests further enquiries.
• Weighs conflicting evidence.
• Assesses credibility.
• Makes findings of fact.
• Applies legislation to those findings.

A COD Officer makes legal decisions that can:

• End the Council’s homelessness duty.
• End temporary accommodation.
• Result in eviction proceedings.
• Determine intentional homelessness.
• Determine suitability.
• Decide whether statutory duties continue.
• Be subject to Section 202 Reviews.

Knowledge required A COD Officer must have a detailed understanding of:

• Housing Act 1996 (Part VII)
• Homelessness Code of Guidance
• Equality Act 2010
• Public Sector Equality Duty
• Human Rights considerations
• Relevant case law
• Local authority policies
• Statutory guidance

Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.

At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful.