At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle emergency and non-emergency calls with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join Devon & Cornwall Police, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowances, and extensive training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with strong communication and emotional resilience.
- Other info: Full-time role with a minimum two-year tenure and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 27204 - 29859 Β£ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Crownhill, Police Headquarters, Exeter
Salary: Starts at Β£27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of Β£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.
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. Itβs 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 in Plymouth employer: Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
Contact Detail:
Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Contact Officer in Plymouth
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills match what they're looking for. This will help you stand out during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Contact Officer, you'll be handling calls from people in distress. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with responding empathetically and asking the right questions.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the role and the work environment. They might even share tips that could give you an edge in your application.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Contact Officer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. Itβll give you a clear idea of what weβre looking for in a Contact Officer and help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Show Your Empathy and Patience: In your written application, donβt forget to showcase your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and patience. We want to see how you can connect with people, especially when theyβre in distress, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate these qualities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why youβd be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our official website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, youβll find all the necessary details and updates about the role there, so itβs a win-win!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
β¨Know the Shift Patterns
Before your interview, make sure you fully understand the shift patterns 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.
β¨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Since you'll be handling calls from distressed individuals, it's crucial to showcase your emotional resilience during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations or provided support to someone in need.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with the Training Programme
Take some time to read up on the training programme outlined in the job description. Being knowledgeable about the seven-week training course and the ongoing support available will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to learning.
β¨Practice Active Listening
As a Contact Officer, you'll need to listen carefully and ask the right questions. During the interview, practice active listening by summarising what the interviewer says and responding thoughtfully. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information.