At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential housing advice and support to those in need.
- Company: Folkestone & Hythe District Council, dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Up to 31 days holiday, flexible hours, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable clients and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Employer: Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Location: Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY / Flexible
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week. Hybrid working with Wednesdays in the office.
DBS Check: Reference: H&O/26/338007
You can also expect an excellent benefits package that includes corporate membership, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.
The role is based in our Housing Options Service, which assists households in housing need across the district and helps prevent homelessness wherever possible. The post will specifically deliver “triage” services for housing options, acting as the first point of contact for service users seeking housing advice, providing initial advice and assistance, direct intervention, and signposting to other services where appropriate.
About you:
- Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering customer-focused housing advice and support services.
- Essential experience includes working with vulnerable clients and providing guidance on housing options, welfare benefits, and related support services.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with partner agencies, including statutory and voluntary sector organisations.
- Experience managing complex and sensitive cases with professionalism and empathy.
- A good understanding of both public and private housing sectors is required, alongside awareness of the specific challenges facing vulnerable households.
- Strong organisational and IT skills, including effective use of Microsoft Office systems.
For further details, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Initial Housing Advice Officer (2 years fixed term) in Folkestone employer: Folkestone Hythe
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday allowances and pension schemes, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community, this role as an Initial Housing Advice Officer provides a meaningful opportunity to support vulnerable households while developing your career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Initial Housing Advice Officer (2 years fixed term) in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to housing advice. Think about your experiences with vulnerable clients and how you’ve handled sensitive cases. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share stories that highlight your commitment to customer-focused services. Let them see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Initial Housing Advice Officer (2 years fixed term) in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Initial Housing Advice Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience working with vulnerable clients and managing sensitive cases. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar situations, so share specific examples!
Be Professional Yet Personable:While it's important to maintain professionalism in your written application, don't forget to let your personality shine through. We value a customer-focused approach, so showing empathy and understanding in your writing can really set you apart.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Folkestone Hythe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Initial Housing Advice Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the housing options service, the challenges vulnerable clients face, and the support services available. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your commitment to helping those in need.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your experience working with vulnerable clients. Share specific examples of how you've provided guidance and support in sensitive situations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases with professionalism and empathy, which is crucial for this role.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Talk about your experience working with partner agencies, both statutory and voluntary. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated effectively in the past to achieve positive outcomes for clients. This shows that you can work well within a team and understand the importance of community resources.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to manage cases or improve service delivery. This will reassure the interviewers that you're organised and capable of handling the administrative aspects of the role.
