At a Glance
- Tasks: Escort and transport immigration residents while ensuring their safety and dignity.
- Company: Join a supportive team at a Short-Term Holding Facility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured shifts, career growth, and discounts on leisure activities.
- Other info: Full training provided, leading to a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a calm approach; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 28822 - 28822 € per year.
Join Us and Make a Difference
Short‑Term Holding Facility DCO: Salary £28,822 based on 42 hours per week
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for respectful, caring, and resilient individuals to join our team. If you have:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A calm and non‑judgemental approach
- Great problem‑solving abilities
- The ability to stay composed under pressure
What You’ll Be Doing
As an In‑Country Escorting DCO at the Vehicle Base, you'll be responsible for:
- Escorting and transporting immigration residents within the UK
- Driving a small minibus‑sized vehicle and ensuring the safe transportation of those in your care
- Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect
As an In‑Country Escorting DCO at the Short‑Term Holding Facility you'll be responsible for:
- Providing care to immigration residents in a fixed location
- Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect
This role requires flexibility, as you will work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365‑day operation.
No Experience? No Problem!
No prior experience or qualifications are needed—full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress, it would be a plus. Your journey begins with a 4‑week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course. Over the next 13 months, you'll receive on‑the‑job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.
Why Join Us?
- Work‑life balance – structured shifts for stability, up to 1 year in advance so you can plan your goals and travel
- Career growth – start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship, with opportunities for leadership roles
- Continued personal development with full support to enhance your career
- Free parking and uniform
- Discounts including cinema, online shopping, leisure centre memberships, holidays, and Health & Wellbeing Benefits. As a DCO, you can apply for a Blue Light discount card
Essential Requirements
- Be a UK Citizen, with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen
- Hold a valid UK passport (expired visas in out‑of‑date passports cannot be accepted)
- Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months
- Pass an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years), and Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting
- Hold a full UK manual driving licence (at least 12 months of experience)
- Have fewer than 7 points on your licence and no driving bans in the last 12 months
- Be over 21 years of age
Due to the safety‑critical nature of this role, we require that employees are not under the influence of any substance—including prescribed medication—that may impair their ability to perform their duties safely. This includes any THC‑based prescriptions due to the lack of reliable evidence on safe levels of THC in the system. If you are currently prescribed medication that may affect your ability to carry out safety‑critical tasks, we encourage you to discuss this with us as part of the recruitment process. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments where appropriate and in line with our obligations under the Equality Act 2010. To ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance, we operate a random drug and alcohol testing programme. By applying, you acknowledge that participation in this testing is a condition of employment.
Important: If you do not have a valid UK passport and a full UK manual car driving licence, we cannot proceed with your application.
Application Process
- Interviews
- Capability assessments
- Full vetting screening
Detention Custody Officer STHF - Swinderby employer: Mitie
Join our dedicated team at the Short-Term Holding Facility in Swinderby, where we prioritise respect, care, and resilience in our work culture. Enjoy a structured work-life balance with flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and clear pathways for career advancement, including a Level 3 Apprenticeship. With additional benefits such as free parking, uniform provisions, and discounts on various services, we are committed to supporting your personal and professional growth in a meaningful role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer STHF - Swinderby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to communication and problem-solving. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! As a Detention Custody Officer, being calm and respectful is key. Share examples from your past experiences where you handled challenging situations with grace.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer STHF - Swinderby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they’ve shaped you into the caring and resilient person we’re looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Use examples from your past that demonstrate how you’ve handled challenging situations or worked with people in distress.
Follow the Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions on our website. Make sure you provide all the required information and double-check for any specific details we’ve asked for. It shows us you’re detail-oriented and serious about the role!
Ask Questions:If you have any questions while applying, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help you through the process. A well-informed applicant is always a plus, and it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Detention Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the job, such as escorting immigration residents and maintaining safety standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a DCO, strong communication is crucial. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Use examples from past experiences where you've successfully handled challenging situations or worked with people in distress. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and calm approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle pressure. Think of specific examples from your life where you've had to stay composed in difficult situations. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking about training opportunities or how the team supports each other in high-pressure situations.