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- Tasks: Handle emergency and non-emergency calls with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join the Devon & Cornwall Police, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowances, and extensive training provided.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact for those in need and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with emotional resilience and a positive attitude.
- Other info: Full-time role with a minimum two-year tenure and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27204 - 29859 £ per year.
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.
Salary:
- The commencing salary is £32,644 per annum inclusive of the 20% shift allowance, plus a maximum of £2500 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 £2500 Weekend working allowance (which is claimable once working the attached shift pattern) when you have reached 4 years service.
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.
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. Dates will be confirmed closer to the time of conditional offer. 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 employer: Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
Contact Detail:
Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the job description and the shift patterns. This way, when you get that interview, you can show them you’re not just interested in the job, but you understand what it takes to excel in it.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Contact Officer, you'll be handling calls from people in distress. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with asking the right questions and responding empathetically.
✨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 maybe even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Devon & Cornwall Police team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Contact Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand the shift patterns and training commitments, so you know what you're signing up for!
Show Your Empathy Skills: In your written application, highlight any experience you have in handling sensitive situations or dealing with distressed individuals. We want to see that you can bring patience and understanding to the role of Contact Officer.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
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, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on showcasing your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
✨Know the Shift Pattern
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand the shift pattern required for the Contact Officer role. Being able to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work nights, weekends, and bank holidays will show that you're committed and ready for the demands of the job.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since you'll be handling calls from distressed individuals, it's crucial to convey your emotional resilience during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations or provided support to others in need.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As a Contact Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you listen actively and ask the right questions to gather information quickly. You might even want to role-play a scenario with a friend to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Training
The training programme is extensive, so express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention any previous training experiences you've had and how they have prepared you for this position. This will demonstrate your commitment to becoming a valuable member of the team.
