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- Tasks: Support vulnerable tenants in independent living schemes and ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council's dynamic Independent Living team.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower others while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with community partners.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) is looking for an experienced housing worker to join our dynamic and effective Independent Living team. You will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive, customer-focused housing service to FHDC tenants living in Independent Living (sheltered housing) schemes. The Independent Living Team delivers intensive housing management to older and vulnerable tenants so that they can sustain their tenancies and live in a safe environment.
Key duties include:
- Signing up new tenants into their homes
- Dealing with reports of anti-social behaviour
- Tenancy management
- Dealing with residents’ queries
- Carrying out scheme surgeries and meetings
- Carrying out an annual wellbeing plan with all tenants
- Assessing the suitability of applicants for Independent Living accommodation
- Ensuring the safety of the schemes you manage is maintained through weekly scheme inspections, with fire safety of the utmost importance
The post involves working closely with other Neighbourhoods staff, internal and external partners including the council’s Community Safety Unit, social services, Kent Police and Police Community Support Officers plus Kent County Council Wardens. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate that they are committed to excellent customer service and who understands the complex issues that can arise in social housing. The ability to be flexible, adapt to change, and work under pressure in managing your own caseload is also essential for this post. Some knowledge of safeguarding would be preferred.
You will need to demonstrate the following:
- Experience of working within a housing management team or similar
- Sound knowledge of relevant housing legislation and current issues in social housing
- Excellent problem-solving skills, a ‘can do’ attitude and a commitment to getting the job done
- Robust approach to the effective management of an anti-social behaviour caseload
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
- Good literacy skills
- Confidence, enthusiasm, and a flexible approach
A full driving licence and access to your own car is required for this post in order to undertake the duties of the role effectively. This post will work mainly in the Folkestone area. This post requires an enhanced DBS check.
The closing date for the receipt of all completed application forms is 9am on Monday 5th January. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13th January 2025.
For an informal discussion about this post please contact Jan Hatcher, Independent Living Team Leader at jan.hatcher@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or 07808 647648.
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.
Independent Living Officer in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Contact Detail:
Folkestone Hythe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Officer in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Folkestone & Hythe District Council and their Independent Living team. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work in the Independent Living team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to anti-social behaviour or tenancy management. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine in the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Living Officer in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you understand what the role of an Independent Living Officer entails. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role is all about delivering a customer-focused housing service, make sure to include examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. We want to see your commitment to helping others!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we appreciate good communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details, and we won’t accept CVs without a completed application form, so make sure you follow the instructions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant housing legislation and current issues in social housing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you resolved issues or helped tenants, as this will demonstrate your commitment to providing a comprehensive housing service.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling anti-social behaviour or managing a caseload under pressure. Practise your responses to these scenarios, highlighting your problem-solving skills and 'can do' attitude to show you're ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with various partners, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to adapt to change and manage your own workload effectively while being a team player.