At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Full-time role with a minimum two-year commitment and excellent career progression.
- 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.
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
Devon & Cornwall Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Contact Officer, you will receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the role while making a meaningful impact in your community. With competitive salaries, shift allowances, and opportunities for career advancement, working at our Plymouth and Exeter locations provides a rewarding experience for those dedicated to public service.
Contact Details:
DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Officer in Exeter
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We think you need these skills to ace Contact Officer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for DCH - Devon and Cornwall Housing Ltd.
