Independent Living Officer

Folkestone Hythe; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Folkestone seeks an experienced housing worker to join their Independent Living team. Responsibilities include providing support to older and vulnerable tenants, managing anti-social behaviour reports, and conducting inspections for safety. The ideal candidate will have experience in housing management, excellent communication and organisational skills, and a commitment to customer service. A full driving license is a must, and the role predominantly operates within the Folkestone area.

Qualifications

• Experience with anti-social behaviour caseload management is preferred.
• Ability to adapt to change and manage own caseload is essential.
• Knowledge of safeguarding would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Deliver intensive housing management to older and vulnerable tenants.
• Sign new tenants into their homes and manage tenancy queries.
• Conduct weekly scheme inspections ensuring safety.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Good literacy

Customer service

Education

Experience of working in a housing management team

Sound knowledge of housing legislation

Job description

Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY

Contract:

Permanent

Working Pattern:

Flexible Hours/Full Time

Hours:

37 hours per week.

DBS Check:

Closing Date:

05/01/2026 at 09:00

Reference:

H&O/25/327732

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) is looking for an experienced housing worker to join our dynamic and effective Independent Living team.

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, and 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 [e-mail] 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.