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- Tasks: Support individuals in challenging situations while maintaining a safe and secure environment.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in delivering essential public services worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, free meals, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their toughest times.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a genuine desire to help others.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with clear paths for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Gatwick Immigration Centre
Type: Full-Time (hrs), Perm (see advert below for more details)
Salary: up to £, (upon successful completion of your 6-month probationary period)
Working at Gatwick Immigration Centre as a Detention Custody Officer (DCO) for Serco is more than just a job, it’s the chance to be a part of something great; join a work family where you are valued and the work you do makes a difference every day. In addition to immense job satisfaction in a rewarding career, we also offer:
At Gatwick Immigration Centre we offer both job stability & job security, as well as career development pathways for you to transition into operational management roles. The centre is open /7 and you’ll cover various shift patterns, but we do operate on a rota basis that allows you the flexibility to enjoy meaningful time off to do the things you love (we typically work on average -hour shifts, 4 days per week on a rota basis).
Please note that this position is based at Gatwick Immigration Removal Centre, which has very limited public transport options. Due to the nature of our shift patterns, we strongly encourage applicants to consider their commute time and transportation options before applying. Some commutes within a – mile radius can take up to hours during peak traffic times. Therefore, we recommend that candidates live within a mile radius of the IRC to maintain punctuality, work-life balance, and job satisfaction
The DCO role is varied, and you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring that the arrival process for detainees is as worry-free as possible and ensure they access the support they need throughout their detention. This will include a range of on-site services that you’ll help to supervise and promote, including healthcare, welfare, faith and cultural provisions, education and recreation activities. Central to this is how you communicate with detainees; you’ll form supportive and appropriate relationships with detainees throughout their detention.
Detainees come from all walks of life, and we treat them all with fairness and respect. You may experience some challenging situations or unwanted behaviour, but you’ll be fully equipped to handle this through the training provided prior to starting your new role.
What do you need to do the role?
Our current DCO’s come to us with different work & life experiences, from retail to healthcare, to call centres and taxi drivers; others are ex-military, police, and security services personnel! What you’ve done before doesn’t matter, what matters is that you’re committed to making a difference to the lives of others – the rest you will learn during your 7-week training course and experienced colleagues.
You’ll need be reasonably fit and have a good educational level of English and Maths, as report writing & numerical abilities are a key part of the role.
Our recruitment process:
What else do I need to know?
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria:
For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the .
Visit us to view all of our other roles at Gatwick Immigration Centre.
Detention Custody Officer employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Serco and their values. This will help you connect your own experiences to what they stand for, showing that you're not just another candidate but someone who truly aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Detention Custody Officer, you'll need to demonstrate strong communication and emotional intelligence. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to build your confidence in handling difficult conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the assessment day! Brush up on your fitness and teamwork skills, as you'll be participating in group exercises and a fitness test. Show them that you can work well under pressure and collaborate effectively with others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at Serco. Don’t wait too long, as roles can close quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer
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 what makes you passionate about this role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Show us how you can bring compassion and resilience to the role of Detention Custody Officer!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. A well-structured application can really make a difference!
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 and straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a Detention Custody Officer involves. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role, especially the importance of empathy and communication in high-pressure situations.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've handled difficult situations in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure, as these are key traits for this position.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Since you'll be working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, it's crucial to show that you respect and understand different cultures. Think of experiences where you've successfully interacted with people from various walks of life and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the training programme or how the team supports each other in challenging situations, which can also give you insight into the workplace culture.
