At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents with enquiries and provide excellent customer service across various channels.
- Company: Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council, a supportive and friendly team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a customer-focused attitude.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and a collaborative work environment.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 29400 ÂŁ per year.
Employer: Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Salary: ÂŁ26,844 - ÂŁ32,747 (from 01/04/26) depending on skills and experience
Location: Folkestone / Hybrid
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Full Time Hours: 37 hours.
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 10/03/2026 at 23:59
Reference: SR/26/331966
Maternity cover (12 months Fixed-Term)
Are you passionate about helping people and delivering excellent customer service? Do you enjoy problem‑solving, learning new skills, and working in a friendly, multi‑skilled team? We’re looking for a Customer Support Officer to join our busy and professional Customer Support Team. As the first point of contact for a wide range of council services, you’ll play a crucial role in helping residents access the support, information, and services they need.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide a friendly, efficient first point of contact for customer enquiries
- Process applications and requests accurately and professionally
- Support and encourage residents to self‑serve using online tools
- Handle enquiries relating to services such as Housing, Waste & Recycling, Parking, Licensing, Environmental Health, Land Charges, Burials and more
- Signpost customers to partner agencies such as Citizens Advice or Shelter
- Identify safeguarding concerns and follow procedures appropriately
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements
- Participate in ongoing training and cross‑skilling to expand your knowledge
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and other departments to improve the customer journey
About You
- Excellent communicators, both in writing and over the phone
- Confident using IT systems, with a willingness to learn new ones
- Accurate, organised and able to prioritise a varied workload
- Customer‑focused and professional, even under pressure
- Team‑oriented, proactive and committed to personal development
Why Join Us?
- Supportive, friendly and collaborative team environment
- Opportunities for ongoing training, multi‑skilling and career progression
- A varied role where no two days are the same
- The chance to make a real difference to residents within our community
This position requires a minimum on‑site presence of one day per week at the Civic Centre. The post‑holder will also be required to provide face‑to‑face customer service to members of the public within the Customer Access Point.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sam.Cridland@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.
The closing date for the receipt of all completed applications is 10th March at 23:59. Interviews are due to be held in the week commencing 23rd March.
Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CVs without a fully completed application form.
Customer Support Officer (Maternity Cover) in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Contact Detail:
Folkestone Hythe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Support Officer (Maternity Cover) in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Folkestone & Hythe District 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 communication skills! Since you'll be the first point of contact for customer enquiries, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved issues or helped customers. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to highlight your customer-focused mindset.
✨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 keen on joining our friendly team. Don’t forget to complete all sections of the application form!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Support Officer (Maternity Cover) in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for helping people in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about delivering excellent customer service and are excited about the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid long-winded explanations and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application to match the job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that relate to the Customer Support Officer role, as this shows us you’ve done your homework.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly, and it helps us keep track of your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Customer Support Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as handling enquiries across various channels and supporting residents. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Customer Support Officer, excellent communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, whether over the phone or in writing. Practising common interview questions can also help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've successfully resolved customer issues or improved processes. Be ready to discuss these examples, as they highlight your ability to handle the varied workload and challenges that come with the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability
The job requires working collaboratively with colleagues and adapting to different situations. Share experiences that showcase your team-oriented mindset and willingness to learn new skills. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role but also for the team culture.