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- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents with housing solutions and make compassionate decisions.
- Company: Local authority in North London dedicated to preventing homelessness.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and develop valuable skills.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on compassion and community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness legislation and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making impactful connections.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and making a tangible difference in people's lives? We are looking for a committed and experienced Inquiries and Decisions Officer to join a local authority in North London, supporting vulnerable residents with housing solutions that prioritise compassion and customer care.
As an Inquiries and Decisions Officer, you will support the homelessness prevention agenda by delivering clear, lawful, and empathetic decisions under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You will manage and progress applications—particularly those in existing backlog—through detailed assessments, legally sound decisions, and ongoing support and information for applicants. You will take a trauma-informed approach, recognise the impact of trauma and adversity, and adapt your communication and service delivery accordingly. With a focus on safeguarding, you will work with internal services (Children's and Adult Social Care) and external partners (hospitals, probation services, voluntary organisations).
Key Responsibilities- Conduct homelessness inquiries and make main duty decisions for singles and families.
- Help reduce the Council's backlog of homelessness applications through timely and robust casework.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships across council departments and with external stakeholders.
- Attend case conferences and multi-agency meetings to advocate and advise on housing duties.
- Identify safeguarding risks and make appropriate referrals to support services.
- Support rough sleepers, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ residents and other vulnerable groups.
- Prepare detailed responses to complaints, Councillor enquiries, and LGSCO investigations.
- Make onward referrals and ensure joined-up support for every applicant.
- Carry out occasional home visits as part of investigative duties.
- Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation (especially HRA 2017).
- Experience making formal homelessness decisions in a local authority setting.
- Excellent communication, time management, and organisational skills.
- Empathy, resilience, and a person-centred mindset.
- Commitment to delivering services that are inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send your application. If you have questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful. If you feel the role matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send your CV anyway. We recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Inquiries And Decisions Officer in City of London employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inquiries And Decisions Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and homelessness sector. Attend local events or online webinars where you can meet professionals who might help you land that Inquiries and Decisions Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, showing your empathy and understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, demonstrate how you can build relationships with both internal teams and external partners. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, if you have any questions, we’re just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Inquiries And Decisions Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for preventing homelessness shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in people's lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and keep your sentences short. Highlight your key skills and experiences that match the job description without waffling on.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your specific skills and experiences relate to the Inquiries and Decisions Officer role. Use the job description as a guide and make sure to address the key responsibilities and requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to track your application status. Plus, if you have any questions, you can reach out to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and any other relevant legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or scenarios where this legislation applies will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Show Empathy in Your Responses
Since the role focuses on supporting vulnerable residents, practice how you can convey empathy during the interview. Use examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated a person-centred approach, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a backlog of applications or managing safeguarding risks. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves working closely with various stakeholders. During the interview, try to establish a connection with your interviewers by being personable and engaging. This will demonstrate your ability to build effective working relationships, which is crucial for the job.
