Cessation of Duty Officer

2 Months Contract with a Local Authority

Umbrella - £31.00 per hour - Umbrella

Job Purpose

As a Cessation of Duty (COD) Officer, you will manage complex homelessness cases and make legally robust decisions regarding the discharge, ending and cessation of statutory housing duties under homelessness legislation. You will ensure decisions comply with legislation, statutory guidance and case law while protecting the Council against challenge and review.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Manage complex homelessness and housing duty cases.
• Conduct detailed investigations and legal enquiries.
• Determine whether statutory homelessness duties can lawfully cease.
• Review evidence obtained from applicants, solicitors, medical professionals and partner agencies.
• Identify missing evidence and commission further investigations.
• Assess credibility and make findings of fact.
• Interpret and apply housing legislation, statutory guidance and case law.
• Draft "Minded To" decision letters.
• Draft final decision letters capable of withstanding legal challenge.
• Determine intentional homelessness cases where applicable.
• Assess accommodation suitability issues.
• Make defensible decisions on behalf of the Council.
• Prepare cases for Section 202 Reviews and legal scrutiny.
• Ensure compliance with Equality Act duties and Human Rights considerations.

Essential Experience Required

• Extensive experience in Homelessness Casework.
• Experience making Cessation of Duty (COD) decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part VII.
• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Experience drafting legally robust homelessness decision letters.
• Experience undertaking complex homelessness investigations.
• Experience assessing evidence and making findings of fact.
• Experience managing statutory homelessness duties.
• Experience handling intentional homelessness and suitability decisions.
• Strong report writing and decision-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Essential Knowledge

• Housing Act 1996 (Part VII).
• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Human Rights considerations.
• Local Authority homelessness policies.
• Relevant housing case law.

Additional Information to Note

• Working Hours: 35 hours per week.
• Monday to Friday.
• 09:00 - 17:30.
• Enfield, London.
• Hybrid Working.
• Minimum 1 Day Per Week Office Attendance Required.
• Housing & Regeneration Directorate.
• Closing Date: 6th November 2026 at 17:00.
• We work on bi-weekly payment schedule.
• Apply ASAP.