At a Glance
- Tasks: Patrol neighbourhoods, engage with communities, and enforce local safety regulations.
- Company: Local Authority focused on community safety and support.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible shifts, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be a visible presence in your community and help improve public safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in community safety or public-facing roles; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 30 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting for a Community Safety Officer (Patrolling) to support a Local Authority Community Safety team on a temporary basis. This is a frontline, high‑visibility role focused on patrolling neighbourhoods, engaging with communities, and enforcing local authority powers to reduce anti‑social behaviour and improve public safety across the borough.
Key Responsibilities
- Patrolling & Visibility
- Carry out regular foot and vehicle patrols across neighbourhoods, parks, town centres and priority locations.
- Provide a visible and reassuring presence to deter anti‑social behaviour and nuisance activity.
- Monitor hotspot areas and elevate emerging issues to supervisors and partner agencies.
- Community Engagement
- Build positive working relationships with residents, businesses, schools and community groups.
- Provide advice on community safety, crime prevention and local support services.
- Enforcement & Compliance
- Enforce local authority powers including Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), littering and dog control regulations.
- Issue Fixed Penalty Notices in line with council policy and procedures.
- Support investigations into anti‑social behaviour, environmental offences and community complaints.
- Problem Solving & Partnership Working
- Work closely with Police, Housing, Youth Services and other partner agencies.
- Participate in joint operations targeting crime, disorder and vulnerability.
- Contribute to longer‑term solutions for repeat community safety issues.
- Incident Response & Reporting
- Respond to reports of anti‑social behaviour, environmental hazards and community safety concerns.
- Maintain accurate records using council systems.
- Prepare clear written reports and statements where required.
- Escalate safeguarding concerns in line with statutory procedures.
Working Pattern
- 40‑hour working week.
- Flexible shifts including evenings and weekends.
- Two rest days per week.
- Coverage of night‑time economy and priority hotspot areas.
Essential Requirements
- Experience in community safety, enforcement, security or public‑facing roles.
- Confident handling challenging and confrontational situations professionally.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Physically able to undertake regular foot patrols.
- Basic IT skills for reporting and record keeping.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain).
Desirable
- Previous local authority or enforcement experience.
- Knowledge of ASB legislation, PSPOs or environmental enforcement (training provided).
Community Support Officer employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community you're applying to serve! Spend some time in Swindon, chat with locals, and understand their concerns. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Community Support Officer, you'll need to engage with various groups. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Community Safety Officers on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and might even give you a heads-up about job openings. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in community safety and enforcement. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with the community, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can effectively interact with residents and partner agencies.
Highlight Problem-Solving Experience: We’re looking for someone who can tackle challenges head-on. Include specific instances where you’ve successfully resolved issues or worked collaboratively with others to improve community safety.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the local area and its specific community safety issues. Research recent incidents or initiatives in Swindon that relate to anti-social behaviour, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with communities in the past. Think about situations where you’ve built relationships or resolved conflicts, as strong communication is key for a Community Support Officer.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving, especially in challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your ability to work with partner agencies.
✨Understand Enforcement Procedures
Brush up on local authority powers and enforcement procedures, particularly around Public Space Protection Orders and Fixed Penalty Notices. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your readiness for the responsibilities of the role.