Homeless Inquiries and Decisions Officer

neway international; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in London seeks a Homeless Inquiries and Decisions Officer to support vulnerable residents and ensure fair decisions under homelessness legislation. The role involves assessing applications for homelessness, providing high standards of customer care, and working collaboratively with various partners. Candidates should have experience with vulnerable populations, knowledge of relevant legislation, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing, health, or social care, ideally in an inner-city environment.
• Knowledge of the Housing Act, Homelessness Reduction Act, Domestic Abuse Act, and relevant guidance.
• Commitment to a trauma-informed approach and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Assess homelessness applications and issue decisions in line with legislation.
• Contribute to clearing the backlog of pre-existing applications.
• Provide high standard customer care, ensuring services are trauma-informed.
• Support council initiatives for vulnerable groups.
• Safeguard at-risk adults and children and ensure compliance with statutory duties.

Skills

Experience working with vulnerable people

Knowledge of homelessness legislation

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to build effective partnerships

Job description

Neway International have a vacancy for a Homeless Inquiries and Decisions Officer to join our client based with the London Borough of Islington, We are seeking Inquiries and Decisions Officers to join Islington Council's Housing Needs and Strategy service. This is a frontline role supporting vulnerable residents, ensuring fair and timely decisions under homelessness legislation, and helping to clear the backlog of applications.

Assess homelessness applications (singles and families) and issue decisions in line with legislation, case law, and council policy.

Contribute to clearing the backlog of pre‑existing applications.

Provide a high standard of customer care, ensuring services are trauma‑informed and person‑centred.

Work collaboratively with internal teams (Adult Social Care, Children's Services, MARAC, hospitals) and external partners (Registered Social Landlords, advocacy services, probation, health services).

Support council initiatives for vulnerable groups including rough sleepers, asylum seekers, refugees, survivors of domestic abuse, LGBTQ+ residents, and care leavers.

Safeguard adults and children at risk, ensuring compliance with statutory duties.

Identify and prevent housing fraud in partnership with the Housing Investigation team.

Prepare reports, responses, and briefings for councillors, senior officers, and external bodies.

Undertake home visits as part of enquiries and investigations.

Experience working with vulnerable people in housing, health, or social care, ideally in an inner‑city environment.

Knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act, Homelessness Reduction Act, Domestic Abuse Act, and relevant guidance.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear reports and provide empathetic support in pressurised settings.

A trauma‑informed approach and commitment to safeguarding.

Ability to build effective partnerships across council services, health partners, and the voluntary sector.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and the council's CARE values (Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering).

Enhanced DBS clearance will be required.

Islington Council is committed to tackling inequality and creating a more equal borough for all. As part of our team, you will help deliver life‑changing services to residents, while working in a supportive environment that values collaboration, ambition, and empowerment.