Initial Housing Advice Officer (2 years fixed term)

• Initial_Housing_Advice_Officer_JDPS

Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CV's without a fully completed application form.

Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit.

Based in our offices in the heart of Folkestone, you’ll have easy access to transport links including HS1, Folkestone’s regenerated town centre, the seafront and old town creative quarter, and our extraordinary and vibrant landscapes and communities.

Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on supporting career development, wellbeing and family friendly initiatives, and a hybrid agile working culture that enables flexible and remote/home working.

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

The post 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.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Emma Harknett (Housing Advice & Preventions Team Leader) to arrange at: emma.harknett@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 9.00am on 8th June 2026.

Interviews will be held w/c 15th June 2026