Tenancy Investigations Officer - Connect2Hackney : Job Details

Connect2Hackney is proud to be recruiting on behalf of the London Borough of Hackney. We are looking for a proactive and ambitious Tenancy Investigator to join our high-performing Audit and Anti-Fraud team.

Hackney is one of London's best places to live and work, and we've achieved a huge amount to be proud of, from our outstanding schools to our award-winning public spaces. We are working towards a vision to be a place for everyone, celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and involved. If you are

Proud, Ambitious, Pioneering, Open, Proactive, and Inclusive, you could be the perfect fit for our team.

About the Role

As a Tenancy Investigator, you will play a crucial role in protecting the Council's social housing stock for those in genuine need. You will be responsible for providing a comprehensive investigation service into cases of tenancy fraud within the borough.

Working with minimal supervision, your primary goal will be to undertake investigations from referral to conclusion, obtaining the necessary evidence to support the repossession of misused properties and ensure fairness in our housing system. This role is vital for ensuring our housing services operate with integrity and that internal controls are effective.

• Conducting Investigations: You will manage a caseload of tenancy fraud investigations, carrying out all aspects of the investigative work including interviews, taking witness statements, and liaising with the police.
• Gathering Evidence: You'll obtain information from various systems and sources to build robust cases for legal action, such as the recovery of unlawfully sublet properties or the refusal of 'Right to Buy' applications.
• Reporting: You will prepare high-quality case reports and progress updates for senior management and stakeholders, ensuring all investigation records are meticulously maintained.
• Collaboration & Training: You'll work closely with staff across the Council, social housing providers, and external partners. A key part of your role will be assisting in the development and delivery of fraud awareness training for housing staff.
• Compliance: You must ensure all work is conducted in compliance with relevant legislation such as PACE, RIPA, DPA, and HRA, as well as Council policies and best practice guidelines.

About You

We're looking for a self-motivated and experienced investigator who can handle pressure and meet strict deadlines. You will need to be a confident communicator, capable of dealing with people at all levels and remaining professional in potentially confrontational situations.

• A recognised qualification in counter fraud studies (e.g., Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist) and/or significant practical experience in social housing tenancy fraud or comparable investigation work.
• Demonstrable experience working in a counter-fraud or investigative role, preferably within the public sector.
• A strong working knowledge of the legislative framework governing investigations, including PACE, CPIA, RIPA, the Fraud Act, and the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act (POSHFA).
• Good working knowledge of housing law, particularly the Housing Acts as they apply to sub-letting.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) with experience producing detailed reports and witness statements.
• The ability to organise and prioritise a large and varied workload, using your own initiative to drive cases forward.
• A willingness and ability to work flexibly outside of normal office hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends when an investigation demands it.
• Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which is acceptable to the Council.

Why Choose Hackney?

Hackney Council is committed to eradicating discrimination and disadvantage. We are a workplace that welcomes and supports flexible working and we particularly encourage applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under-represented in our workforce. Join us and help make Hackney a place of which we can all be proud.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.