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- Tasks: Handle emergency and non-emergency calls with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join the Devon & Cornwall Police team in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowances, and ongoing training support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, flexible with shifts, and have strong communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with a minimum two-year commitment and excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 27204 - 29859 £ per year.
Check below to see if you have what is needed for this opportunity, and if so, make an application asap.
Location: Plymouth, Crownhill, Police Headquarters, Exeter
Salary: Starts at £27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £29,859 per annum
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Owing to the nature of the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date. Please read the shift pattern before applying to ensure you will be able to undertake the required shift pattern. The shift pattern is set and there can be no adjustments to this. Training for the role is at Police Headquarters, Exeter for seven weeks, Monday to Friday. Please ensure you are able to commit to this before applying.
The commencing salary is £32,644 per annum inclusive of the 20% shift allowance, plus a maximum of £2,500 weekend working allowance (which is claimable once working the attached shift pattern after the training period). There is a potential to earn up to £38,330; this includes 20% shift allowance and up to £2,500 weekend working allowance (claimable once working the attached shift pattern) when you have reached 4 years service.
Responsibilities:
- We are looking for friendly, patient, broad minded and positive individuals to join our Exeter and Plymouth Contact Resolution Centres, where you will play a critical role in our response to both emergency and non-emergency calls within Devon and Cornwall.
- You will handle calls professionally with empathy and patience, listening to vital details and asking the right questions to log information quickly and accurately.
- You will be part of a wide team with extensive training and ongoing support provided.
- This role can be challenging at times but is very rewarding.
- It’s important to have emotional resilience within this role, as you will at times be answering calls from distressed individuals.
- No two calls are the same and at times you will handle sensitive information.
- You will be the first point of contact for our community and will provide help for people when they need it most.
Qualifications:
- We are looking for flexible individuals who are open to working shifts, including nights, weekends and some bank holidays.
- On top of your salary, you will qualify for enhanced shift allowance of up to 20% of your salary, as well as weekend working allowance.
Training Programme:
- You will join starting with the Initial training Course Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm for the duration of 7 weeks at Police Headquarters, Middlemoor Exeter.
- You will then begin your Contact Officer shift pattern and will be assigned a Tutor within the Contact Centre who will support the second phase of your training.
- There is an additional 2 week training course, again at Exeter Headquarters, before returning to the Contact Centre.
- You must be willing and able to travel to Exeter Headquarters regardless of your base station.
- A Force pool car / a hire car, or accommodation at Police Headquarters, Middlemoor, Exeter may be available to those who live 30 miles from Police Headquarters, Middlemoor, Exeter.
- No annual leave will be granted for the duration of the training courses due to essential learning. There will be no exceptions to this.
Part-Time Working:
The role of Contact Officer is a full-time role. Requests for Flexible Working Patterns can be submitted once you are in the role, however these cannot be guaranteed and are reviewed against the operational needs of the Department.
Tenure:
This role is subject to a minimum two year tenure period. This means that due to the essential training required for the role of Contact Officer successful candidates will be unable to apply for any internal vacancies for a period of two years from the commencement of their appointment.
To Apply:
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Devon & Cornwall Police, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Contact Officer in Exeter employer: DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd
Contact Detail:
DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Officer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Contact Officer and think about how your skills match up. This will help you shine during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be handling calls from people in distress, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy and patience. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with responding to various scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Contact Officers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility with shifts and your commitment to the training programme!
We think you need these skills to ace Contact Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and its requirements, so take note of the shift patterns and training commitments.
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We’re looking for friendly and positive individuals, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any relevant experience you have, especially in handling calls or working in high-pressure situations. We want to know how your background can help you excel as a Contact Officer.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’re ready, head over to our website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Contact Officer. Familiarise yourself with the shift patterns and training requirements, as well as the emotional resilience needed for handling calls from distressed individuals.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to listen and respond with empathy. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled sensitive situations or provided support to others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Practice responding to hypothetical situations you might face as a Contact Officer, focusing on how you would log information accurately while remaining calm under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or what success looks like in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.