HR Support Officer

Dover District Council; Dover; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Dover is seeking an HR Support Officer to facilitate HR queries and provide essential administrative support. You will play a key role in maintaining HR and health and safety systems while assisting with employee wellbeing initiatives. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational and communication skills, a flexible approach, and a commitment to services. This role offers a supportive environment and various employee benefits, including flexible working options.

Benefits

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Local government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Discounted local leisure centre membership

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in HR or Health & Safety is desirable.
• Ability to build positive relationships.
• Genuine commitment to customer service.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for HR queries.
• Deliver essential administrative support across the employee lifecycle.
• Help maintain accurate HR and H&S systems.
• Assist with wellbeing initiatives and health awareness campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with HR Advisors and the Corporate H&S team.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Confidence using IT systems

Flexible and resilient approach

Commitment to customer service

Job description

Are you ready to make a real difference during an exciting time of change?

As we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation, we’re looking for a proactive and adaptable HR Support Officer to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping how we support our workforce and maintain a safe, positive working environment.

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.

What you’ll do:

• Be the first point of contact for HR queries, providing clear, practical advice to managers and employees.
• Deliver essential administrative support across the full employee lifecycle – from recruitment and onboarding to contract changes and beyond.
• Help maintain accurate HR and H&S systems, produce reports, and support compliance with statutory requirements.
• Assist with wellbeing initiatives, health awareness campaigns, and projects that make a real impact on our people.
• Work collaboratively with HR Advisors and the Corporate H&S team to ensure best practice and continuous improvement.

Who we are looking for:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build positive relationships.
• Confidence using IT systems and handling sensitive data accurately.
• A flexible, resilient approach and a genuine commitment to customer service.
• Experience in HR or Health & Safety is desirable, but not essential – we’ll support your development.

If you’re passionate about people, well-being, health and safety, and would like to make a difference in local government, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join our team at the Council?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in.

• Be part of a forward-thinking council at a pivotal time of transformation.
• Enjoy flexible and hybrid working options in accordance with service needs.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment where your ideas and contributions matter.

We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:

• Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
• Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Generous annual leave provision
• Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
• On-site parking
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.

What Next?

If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Claire Wagstaff-Townend at [e-mail] or on 01304 872025.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Closing Date: Thursday 18th December 2025

Interviews to be held on: Monday 5 January 2026