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- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency calls and direct officers to incidents.
- Company: Join Dorset Police, a dedicated team focused on public safety and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, shift allowances, and potential for flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with a friendly attitude and ability to handle stressful situations.
- Other info: Initial training lasts 5-7 months; part-time applications are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 26106 - 28653 £ per year.
Owing to the nature of the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date. The role of a Dispatch and Contact Officer at Winfrith requires you to participate in the operation of the Dorset Contact Management and provide a high-quality service to members of the public, police officers, and police staff. The focus of the Force Command Centre is on making every contact count by 'getting it right first time' and ensuring an efficient and effective customer journey as well as seeking to address the maximum number of calls at the first point of contact within a 24-hour capability.
You will also be responsible for directing officers to the scenes of incidents and controlling incidents via radio and other forms of digital communication. Prior to your Contact Officer training course (which you will be advised of once you have started in the role), you will be working as a triage operator to familiarise yourself with the Contact Centre and the types of enquiries. The duration of your time on triage will vary depending on when the next training course is due to start. Your salary and shift allowance will remain as above.
You will act as the first point of contact for members of the public using the 101 and 999 service. Utilising risk assessments, you will ensure that the most appropriate help and support is established, providing an efficient and reactive response to requests for service from the public. Please note: No annual leave will be granted during the Contact Officer training course dates, and these dates will be confirmed once you are in force. Any leave booked prior to joining the force will be honoured. Whilst this role is based at Winfrith, you may be required to travel to the Bournemouth site for training.
Recruitment Timeline
- Eligibility to apply via our e-recruitment portal.
- Situational Judgement Test - You will have 7 days to complete once you have completed your eligibility.
- Virtual Assessment Centre - You will have 7 days to complete once you have passed the SJT.
- Final Interview and telephone assessment. You will receive a link to book an interview if you have passed the SJT and Virtual Assessment Centre.
A unique job for a unique person, this role demands a friendly, patient, broad-minded individual with a positive attitude. You must be able to work as part of a close-knit, supportive team and make decisions in situations which may be frustrating or distressing for the caller.
Salary: Scale D - Starts at £26,106 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £28,653 per annum. Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part-time or you are appointed on a part-time basis, your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon & Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same Scale.
Type of employment: Permanent
Type of working arrangement: Static-Worker - A Static-Worker has little or no opportunity to work remotely as they need to carry out their work at a specific force premises, this could be for a number of reasons including the location of equipment.
Hours per week: This role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.
Earn up to £34,383 per annum. The starting salary for Scale D is £29,760, which is inclusive of 14% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2,500 for weekend working. This allowance is claimable. When proficient (this is subject to pass/fail assessments after completion of 999 training), you will move to the full 24/7 shift pattern and receive Scale D £31,327, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2,500 for weekend working.
Please note, initial training up to the point of becoming proficient in 999 calls takes from 5 to 7 months on average. Dispatch training is scheduled after this time frame but well within the probationary period. Yearly increments will then apply until the top of the scale is reached in order to earn £34,383 per annum, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance. Please note, weekend working allowance is only applicable when working a shift pattern; therefore, not during Monday to Friday classroom-based training.
Dispatch and Contact Officer employer: jobs24.co.uk
Contact Detail:
jobs24.co.uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dispatch and Contact Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Dispatch and Contact Officer by researching the responsibilities and challenges involved. Understanding the nature of the job will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice situational judgement tests (SJTs) as they are a key part of the recruitment process. There are many online resources available that can help you prepare for these types of assessments, ensuring you feel confident when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 3
Develop your communication skills, particularly in handling difficult or distressing situations. Role-playing scenarios with friends or family can help you practice remaining calm and providing effective support to callers.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Dispatch and Contact Officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in the application process, giving you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Dispatch and Contact Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Dispatch and Contact Officer. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially in customer service or communication roles. Emphasise any experience you have in high-pressure situations or working as part of a team, as these are crucial for this position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Dorset Police. Mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to handle stressful situations and provide excellent service.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for the Situational Judgement Test and Virtual Assessment Centre. Practice situational judgement scenarios that reflect the challenges faced by a Dispatch and Contact Officer, focusing on decision-making and prioritising calls effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at jobs24.co.uk
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Dispatch and Contact Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as handling emergency calls and directing officers, so you can discuss how your skills align with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves interacting with the public and police staff, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication abilities. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Situational Judgement Questions
Expect situational judgement tests that assess your decision-making skills. Think about scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or handle difficult conversations, and be ready to explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Exhibit a Positive Attitude
The job requires a friendly and patient individual. During the interview, convey your positive attitude and willingness to help others. Share experiences that highlight your ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations.
