At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess DBS applications and ensure safeguarding for vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Join Kent Police's dynamic Disclosure Team with a focus on information management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong decision-making skills and IT proficiency required; training provided.
- Other info: Work from home options available with team collaboration at Maidstone Police Station.
The predicted salary is between 27492 - 31731 £ per year.
Location of Role: Home based / Maidstone
Advert Closing Date: 15/04/2025
Starting Salary: £27,492.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Applications are invited from individuals for an excellent opportunity to become a DBS Level 2 Risk Assessor within the DBS/Disclosure Team in the Information Management Department. The successful candidates will work Monday to Friday, the DBS/Disclosure Team operates between 07:30 and 17:30, and staff will work their contractual hours within this period.
The main purpose of the role is to process and assess Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) applications from individuals seeking employment with children or vulnerable persons. This will involve accessing the Police National Computer (PNC), Athena and other local systems to make decisions on whether the disclosure of locally held police information should be recommended in line with the DBS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF).
The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective decision‑making skills and attention to detail when collating and analysing information, with the ability to identify when further enquiries are required. These enquiries may include contacting safeguarding partners and other police Disclosure Units nationally to ensure that all relevant information is identified and assessed.
The role also requires the post holder to review and assess DBS Barring Information Requests, considering information holistically so that any patterns, aggravating factors, or relevant safeguarding indicators can be clearly presented to the DBS to assist their barring decision‑making. The role requires the post holder to interpret complex information and complete written rationales to evidence their decision making.
Experience of processing DBS checks using the DBS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) would be an advantage, but full training will be provided. Due to ongoing development in working practices, you will need to be flexible and able to adapt to change.
Necessary Experience:- The ability to work with minimum supervision, demonstrating self‑motivation, initiative, and strong organisational skills to effectively manage competing workloads, including recording and explaining where work expectations cannot be met due to case complexity.
- Competent IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Office applications and the ability to interrogate policing systems (including PNC, Athena, and related systems) to obtain relevant information.
- Proven experience of report writing, with well‑developed problem‑solving and analytical skills, and the ability to produce clear, structured written rationales in line with the DBS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) once trained.
- The ability to exercise sound judgement, applying relevant legislation and policy, with an understanding of safeguarding and vulnerability, and the confidence to adapt decisions as safeguarding expectations and guidance evolve.
- The ability to work efficiently to meet productivity expectations while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and quality.
- A working understanding of legislation and guidance relevant to DBS disclosure, including the DBS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF); previous experience as a DBS Level 1 Risk Assessor would be advantageous.
- Experience or working knowledge of policing systems such as PNC, Athena, and other proprietary IT systems gained through relevant work experience.
- An awareness of organisational aims and objectives relating to information management, with an understanding of the Data Protection Act 2018, Police Act Part V (DBS framework), and good information‑security practices.
The role offers flexibility in terms of place of work, including the potential to work from home where suitable. Where home working is agreed, the post holder will be required to attend a designated ‘Team Zone’ on average one or two days a week, as agreed with their line manager. The current Team Zone for this role is located at Maidstone Police Station.
In addition, the post holder may be required to attend the office more frequently where training, support needs, team CPD sessions, or identified development actions arise, and should be prepared to do so.
All of our posts require a level of vetting and security clearance. During the recruitment process you will be sent vetting information forms to complete.
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status. Please let us know if you require extra support at any stage of the application process.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years.
DBS Level 2 Risk Assessor (Home Based/Maidstone) employer: Essex Police and Kent Police
Contact Detail:
Essex Police and Kent Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DBS Level 2 Risk Assessor (Home Based/Maidstone)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the DBS Quality Assurance Framework and the specific requirements of a Level 2 Risk Assessor. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills match what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about your past experiences that showcase your decision-making skills and attention to detail. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your analytical abilities!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what the interviewers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure your 'reason for application' is packed with relevant details about your experience and skills. The more tailored your response, the better your chances of getting shortlisted!
We think you need these skills to ace DBS Level 2 Risk Assessor (Home Based/Maidstone)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Detailed in Your Reason for Application: When filling out the 'reason for application' section, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you fit the role, so don’t hold back on the details!
Keep an Eye on Character Count: Remember, you've got a limit of 9000 characters for your application response. Use an online character counter to keep track, as it might differ from what Word shows. We want to see everything you can offer within that space!
Show Off Your Decision-Making Skills: This role is all about assessing information and making sound decisions. In your application, give examples of how you've done this before. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and act decisively!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Police and Kent Police
✨Know Your DBS Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and be ready to discuss how you would apply it in real scenarios. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Decision-Making Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've had to make tough decisions or assess complex information. Highlight your analytical skills and how you approached those situations. This will help the interviewers see your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Risk Assessor.
✨Showcase Your IT Competence
Since the role requires using various IT systems like PNC and Athena, brush up on your IT skills. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with these systems or similar ones. If you’ve worked with data management or report writing before, make sure to mention it!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your judgement and understanding of safeguarding. Think about how you would approach different situations involving vulnerable individuals. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.