Homelessness Inquiries and Decisions Officer
| Posting date: | 02 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £23.51 to £31.09 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Pay Rate: £23.51 PAYE / £31.09 Umbrella |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 March 2026 |
| Location: | Islington, North London |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | RQ1684318 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking Inquiries and Decisions Officers to join our client based with London Borough of Islington.
Location: 222 Upper Street, Islington
Hours: 35 per week
About the Client
Islington Council’s Homes & Neighbourhoods service is committed to delivering a compassionate, person‑centred homelessness service that places residents at the heart of every decision. The team works to prevent homelessness wherever possible, uphold the principles of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and ensure that vulnerable residents receive timely, lawful and empathetic support.
The Role
The Inquiries and Decisions Officer will be responsible for assessing homelessness applications, conducting detailed enquiries, and issuing legally compliant decisions for single people and families. The role supports the service in reducing the backlog of pre‑existing cases while maintaining high standards of customer care. You will work closely with internal and external partners, applying a trauma‑informed approach to all interactions and ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are met.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out assessments, enquiries and main duty decisions under homelessness legislation
Support the clearance of the homelessness decisions backlog
Provide a responsive, empathetic and trauma‑informed service to residents
Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies, including Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, MARAC, hospitals and voluntary sector partners
Contribute to case conferences and multi‑agency meetings
Support initiatives for vulnerable groups including rough sleepers, asylum seekers, refugees, domestic abuse survivors, LGBTQ+ residents and care leavers
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities for adults and children are met at all times
Identify potential housing fraud and liaise with the Housing Investigation Team
Make referrals to relevant support agencies and public bodies
Provide detailed information for Councillor enquiries, complaints and Ombudsman investigations
Maintain effective working relationships with Registered Providers, advocacy services, prisons, hospitals, probation and health services
Ensure all communication is clear, accurate and in line with Islington’s customer service standards
Undertake home visits as required as part of the enquiries process
Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade
Candidate Requirements
Previous experience in a similar role within homelessness, housing needs or statutory assessments (Essential)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage workload, meet deadlines and work independently
Confident working as part of a team and using own initiative
Proficient in Microsoft Office
GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths or equivalent
Relevant professional qualification (Essential)
Enhanced DBS required
Location: 222 Upper Street, Islington
Hours: 35 per week
About the Client
Islington Council’s Homes & Neighbourhoods service is committed to delivering a compassionate, person‑centred homelessness service that places residents at the heart of every decision. The team works to prevent homelessness wherever possible, uphold the principles of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and ensure that vulnerable residents receive timely, lawful and empathetic support.
The Role
The Inquiries and Decisions Officer will be responsible for assessing homelessness applications, conducting detailed enquiries, and issuing legally compliant decisions for single people and families. The role supports the service in reducing the backlog of pre‑existing cases while maintaining high standards of customer care. You will work closely with internal and external partners, applying a trauma‑informed approach to all interactions and ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are met.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out assessments, enquiries and main duty decisions under homelessness legislation
Support the clearance of the homelessness decisions backlog
Provide a responsive, empathetic and trauma‑informed service to residents
Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies, including Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, MARAC, hospitals and voluntary sector partners
Contribute to case conferences and multi‑agency meetings
Support initiatives for vulnerable groups including rough sleepers, asylum seekers, refugees, domestic abuse survivors, LGBTQ+ residents and care leavers
Ensure safeguarding responsibilities for adults and children are met at all times
Identify potential housing fraud and liaise with the Housing Investigation Team
Make referrals to relevant support agencies and public bodies
Provide detailed information for Councillor enquiries, complaints and Ombudsman investigations
Maintain effective working relationships with Registered Providers, advocacy services, prisons, hospitals, probation and health services
Ensure all communication is clear, accurate and in line with Islington’s customer service standards
Undertake home visits as required as part of the enquiries process
Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade
Candidate Requirements
Previous experience in a similar role within homelessness, housing needs or statutory assessments (Essential)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage workload, meet deadlines and work independently
Confident working as part of a team and using own initiative
Proficient in Microsoft Office
GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths or equivalent
Relevant professional qualification (Essential)
Enhanced DBS required