At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Detention Custody Officer, you'll ensure safety and security while supporting residents.
- Company: Mitie is a leading UK facilities management company, dedicated to creating better places and thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, discounts, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension and life insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your people skills, patience, and resilience.
- Other info: Full training is provided on the first day of employment, with ongoing support for career development.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Detention Custody Officer - Heathrow IRC role at Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services.
£31,585 per annum
40 hours per week
- Pension
- Life insurance
- Free meals on duty
- Free onsite parking
- Uniform provided
- Free gym use
- Retail and restaurant discount vouchers
- No experience necessary, full training given
Are you looking for a new role where you can genuinely make a difference to people's lives? Care & Custody is one of the leading providers of outsourced public services in the UK. We're looking for respectful, diligent and caring people to join our team of Detention Custody Officers (DCO).
Specialising in custodial management services, we are responsible for managing Europe's largest Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), just outside Heathrow in UB7 0HB. We care for up to 1200 immigration residents providing custody services, welfare, regime and recreational activity.
The Role: Our DCOs work with extraordinary courage and resilience, keeping those in our care safe and secure. You will be joining a team whose job security is high based on delivering essential public services through this critical role. Working as a DCO within our team will provide you with the opportunity to maintain high standards of security and safety whilst promoting the welfare and decency of residents staying at our immigration removal centre. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As you gain experience within this challenging role, we'll support you throughout your time to grow and develop.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (shift work covering days and nights). Flexibility will be needed to work a mixture of short and long day shifts. The centre is operational 24/7/365 and your rolling roster covering 51 weeks will help you plan your work/life balance. You must be eligible to obtain CTC clearance, which means you hold a valid UK passport, or EU passport with Share Code, have lived and worked in the UK for 3 years with no extended (more than 3 months) trips overseas, have no criminal conviction or be part of an ongoing police investigation.
Who We're Looking for: Being a DCO demands people skills, patience, resilience, and professionalism to handle an ever-changing day. Those in our care come from a variety of backgrounds and you will need communication skills to support colleagues, work together and deliver an exceptional service to our residents. Previous experience of sensitively dealing with a variety of people who have been agitated, confused or angry would be an advantage.
Training (Initial Training Course): Once you have passed our selection and vetting process, you'll begin your Care and Custody career by undertaking our 5-week initial training course. Training is paid and is the first day of employment.
Specific Requirements: Please note that all offers of employment are subject to security clearance and enhanced background checks.
Benefits: Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career. Ability to achieve a work/life balance. A benefits package including pension, private medical cover, share and MiDeals discount schemes with over 3000 offers available from your favourite retailers, leisure, and utilities companies. Free meals during working hours in addition to use of the IRC's fully equipped gym, free parking is also provided.
We award our employees with Mitie Stars as recognition for their hard work. There are cash prizes up for grabs each month and at the end of the year there’s a chance to scoop a top prize of £10,000! Our success is a direct result of the experience and quality of our people. Progressing your career is therefore a top priority for us. We offer a diverse variety of training and development avenues via a wide selection of learning resources to suit you.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Since 1987, Mitie’s 72,000 employees have been maintaining companies globally. We are the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services company, and our clients range from household names in banking, critical government sites as well as hospitals and schools.
Join our Mitie Team. Together our diversity makes us stronger.
Apply Now.
Detention Custody Officer -Heathrow IRC employer: Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services
Contact Detail:
Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer -Heathrow IRC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Detention Custody Officer. Understanding the responsibilities and challenges faced in this position will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in dealing with diverse groups of people, especially in high-pressure situations. This could include roles in customer service, healthcare, or community work, as these skills are crucial for a DCO.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising situational judgement tests and role-playing scenarios that may arise in a custodial environment. This will help you feel more confident and ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Detention Custody Officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer -Heathrow IRC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Detention Custody Officer. Read through the job description carefully and note the key skills and attributes required, such as patience, resilience, and strong communication skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous experience in customer service or roles requiring interpersonal skills, even if they are not directly related to custody work.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to work as a Detention Custody Officer and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations and your commitment to providing care and support.
Prepare for Assessment Centre: If selected, you'll need to attend an assessment centre. Prepare by practising common interview questions and scenarios you might face in the role. Show your understanding of the importance of safety and welfare in a custodial environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie Cleaning & Hygiene Services
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Detention Custody Officer, you'll be working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and handle challenging situations with patience and professionalism during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
This role requires resilience in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances or handled stressful situations.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Detention Custody Officer. Research Mitie's values and how they align with your own, as this will show your genuine interest in the position and the company.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your enthusiasm for the role. Ask about the training process, team dynamics, or opportunities for personal development within the company to demonstrate your commitment to growth.