At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and provide essential housing advice to clients.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with both full-time and part-time options available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or related fields and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 33603 - 37889 £ per year.
£33,603 to £37,889 (Grade E) - £38,704 - £43,785 (F) (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Location: Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY / Flexible
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time/Part Time
Hours: 37 or 21 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Closing Date: 21/06/2026 at 09:00
Reference: H&O/26/338926
The role
We’re currently seeking two dynamic and customer focused individuals to deliver an efficient and effective Housing Advice, Homelessness Prevention and Statutory Homelessness Assessment service. We have 1 x full time role (37 hours) and 1 x part time role (21 hours) available.
You will work proactively with clients to prevent homelessness wherever possible, through providing an advisory and advocacy role in areas such as negotiating with families, negotiating with landlords or agents, providing debt advice, negotiating with lenders, liaising with other agencies and attending the Courts.
About You
You’ll need recent and relevant experience of working within a Housing context or related field including undertaking homeless enquiries and issuing relevant decisions as well as, being able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and its application relevant to the role. The ability to assess detailed information in order to make sound, evidence based decisions as a consequence is also a key part of this role but above all else, if you’re a team player that can operate on their own initiative, has excellent interpersonal skills and the aptitude to deliver an outstanding service, then we want to hear from you.
For further information about the role and requirements, please see the attached job description.
For an informal discussion please contact: Emma Harknett, Housing Advice & Preventions Team Leader at: emma.harknet@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is: 9.00am on Monday 22nd June 2026. Interviews will take place on w/c 29th June 2026.
*Please note in your application statement whether you are applying for the full or part time role*
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CV's without a fully completed application form.
Housing Advice and Preventions Officer in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Join our dedicated team at the Civic Centre in Folkestone, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. As a Housing Advice and Preventions Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a competitive salary package. We value collaboration and innovation, making us an excellent employer for those passionate about helping others and advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advice and Preventions Officer in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values before your interview. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask insightful questions!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, so don’t just memorise answers—make them your own!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress appropriately for the interview. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. First impressions matter, and we want you to look the part!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Advice and Preventions Officer in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you understand what we're looking for. Highlight key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description and think about how your background aligns with them.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your unique experiences relate to the Housing Advice and Prevention role. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in housing contexts or related fields.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit your completed application form there. Don’t forget to mention whether you’re interested in the full-time or part-time role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant housing legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to homelessness prevention will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully helped clients in housing situations. Whether it’s negotiating with landlords or providing debt advice, having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your capability and experience in this field.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, think of ways to showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Practice answering questions about how you’ve built rapport with clients or resolved conflicts in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics or the challenges they face in homelessness prevention. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
