At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Council, helping residents with their queries across various channels.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills and experience in customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24840 - 25761 £ per year.
Overview
Customer Services Advisor – closing date 01.02.2026
Salary from £24,840 to £25,761 pa (Pro Rata) depending on skills and experience
Permanent – Part time – 35 hours per week to be worked over Monday to Friday
Are you passionate about delivering outstanding customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment?
Responsibilities
- Be the first point of contact for residents and partners engaging with the Council across multiple channels (telephone, face-to-face, email, webchat, social media, and online platform).
- Resolve 88% of queries without referral where possible and escalate only when necessary, following through to completion.
- Provide cover across Ashford and Tenterden offices as needed.
- Use IT systems to manage enquiries and maintain accurate records.
- Support administrative follow-up and system input tasks.
- Participate in training to stay up-to-date on Council and partner services.
- Verify customer documentation and process payments.
- Support Tourist Information Services when based in Tenterden.
- Promote customer feedback and act as a buddy for new team members.
Requirements
- To be competent in this role it is essential that you have strong keyboard and IT skills, and proven experience in customer service and team environments.
- You should have the ability to make decisions independently.
- Experience in a call/contact centre, local government, or tourist information services is a plus.
- NVQ Level 3 in Customer Services, IT qualifications, and second language skills are desirable.
How to apply and contact
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Liesl York, Customer Services Operations Manager on 01233 330820.
To apply – click here. Internal applicants – Please log into iTrent self service via the self-service section of the Smarthub, then click on current vacancies on the home page.
When submitting an application form please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk.
Competitive remuneration package – We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Customer Services Advisor in Ashford employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Advisor in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Ashford Borough Council and understand their values and services. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about delivering outstanding service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've resolved issues or helped customers. Be ready to share these stories during your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to customer service. This can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Advisor in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding customer service shine through. We want to see how you thrive in fast-paced environments and how you can make a difference in our team!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked in customer service or similar roles before, share those stories with us! It helps us see how you'd fit right in.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great candidate for the Customer Services Advisor role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you get all the updates about your progress. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Customer Service Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your customer service skills and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've resolved queries or provided exceptional service. This role is all about being the first point of contact, so be ready to showcase how you can handle various situations with ease.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Services
Do a bit of homework on the services offered by the Council and any recent news or changes. Being knowledgeable about what they do will not only impress your interviewers but also help you answer questions more effectively. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing some mock interviews with a friend or family member. Focus on common customer service scenarios and how you would handle them. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview, especially when discussing your decision-making skills.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since strong keyboard and IT skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with various IT systems. If you have any specific software knowledge or certifications, mention those too. It’s a great way to demonstrate that you can manage enquiries and maintain accurate records efficiently.