At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for the public and provide vital support.
- Company: Join Avon and Somerset Police, dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with full training and a rewarding experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to help vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and resilience are key; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
What happens at an Enquiry Office? Discover more about this exciting opportunity by watching our recruitment video: Make a Difference on the Front Line as an Enquiry Officer | Avon and Somerset Police.
As an organisation we have 24 police stations where members of the public can meet and engage with us in person. At each of these, we have individuals who offer front line support to the people who visit; these are our Enquiry Officers. From the moment the doors open, we never know who may come in; it could be someone looking to report the theft of an item, someone reporting a missing person or a victim of online fraud. They may also need to visit us as part of their sentencing conditions where they are required to present themselves to a police station to have documents verified and checked. Our Enquiry Officers also see the not so nice side of the criminal world; it could sadly be someone who comes to report sexual assault, has witnessed suspicious activity or a hate crime. What links all our Enquiry Officers together is the care, compassion and dedication they all show to the communities we serve and the individuals who visit us.
Hours: Part time working 22.2hrs per week. Hours are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 10.00 – 18.00 at Burnham on Sea Police Station.
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact to members of the public, visitors to the site, internal staff and external agencies.
- Respond to, research and resolve enquiries face to face, over the phone and online.
- Diffuse potentially volatile situations (both verbal and sometimes physical aggression) and escalate for police intervention in emergency situations.
- Support vulnerable members of the public, including victims of crime.
- Be sensitive to confidentiality and the need to protect individual privacy.
About you:
You will need to be comfortable with a rapidly changing day; you never know who is going to come through the door next and what help or support they will need. In this role, you are the front‑facing image of our organisation and will need to be always professional and calm. You will need to have good IT skills to search, record and interpret information on a number of computer systems. We will provide full training on these systems so after the initial training period you can use them on a daily basis. Our visitors have a wide range of backgrounds. If you speak another language or know sign language this is useful, but it is not essential. If you have existing transferable skills from a customer‑service‑based role such as a hotel reception, this would be a good start; however, we will provide full training either way. In this role, you will see people who may tell you things of a sad and distressing nature or may distrust the police, so you therefore need to be resilient to these situations. This is such a rewarding job; our Enquiry Office teams can and do change so many outcomes for the better.
Enquiry Officer - Part Time in Burnham-on-Sea employer: Avon and Somerset Police
Avon and Somerset Police is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community as an Enquiry Officer at Burnham on Sea Police Station. With a strong commitment to employee growth, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to handle diverse situations with care and professionalism. Join us in making a difference on the front line, where your compassion and dedication can truly change lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Enquiry Officer - Part Time in Burnham-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Watch the recruitment video and understand what an Enquiry Officer does. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be the first point of contact, think about how you'd handle different scenarios. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with responding to various enquiries.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your resilience! Be ready to discuss how you've handled tough situations in the past. Whether it's dealing with difficult customers or managing stressful environments, share those experiences to highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team at Avon and Somerset Police.
We think you need these skills to ace Enquiry Officer - Part Time in Burnham-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:In your application, let us see your caring side! Share experiences where you've helped others or dealt with sensitive situations. This role is all about supporting the community, so we want to know how you can bring that compassion to our team.
Be Professional and Calm:Since you'll be the first point of contact for visitors, it's crucial to convey professionalism in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and highlight any previous customer service experience that showcases your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Highlight Your IT Skills:We’ll provide training on our systems, but it’s good to mention any relevant IT skills you have. Whether it’s using databases or handling online enquiries, show us that you’re comfortable with technology and ready to learn!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon and Somerset Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what an Enquiry Officer does. Watch the recruitment video and read up on the responsibilities. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As an Enquiry Officer, you'll be dealing with a variety of people, often in distressing situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled difficult conversations or provided support to someone in need. This will demonstrate your empathy and communication skills.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
You might face challenging situations during the interview, so it's important to convey your ability to remain calm and composed. Think of scenarios where you've diffused tension or managed a crisis effectively, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like dealing with an aggressive visitor or supporting a vulnerable individual. Practice your responses to these types of questions, focusing on how you'd apply care, compassion, and professionalism in those moments.
