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- Tasks: Handle diverse emergency and non-emergency calls, providing support and advice.
- Company: Join Warwickshire Police, serving a vibrant community of nearly 600,000 people.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a local government pension, gym access, and 24 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and eager to help those in need.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 40000 £ per year.
Serving an estimated population of nearly 600,000 people, Warwickshire Police receives over 90,000 emergency calls per year, in addition to many more non-emergency calls for service. Working as part of our OCC Control Room as a Communications Officer is a varied and diverse role, with no two calls received being the same. One minute you could be taking the details of a stolen vehicle, the next you may be sending officers to a report of an armed robbery.
Not all calls need an officer. There are many times when you are the one to help resolve the call, giving the appropriate advice, without the need to dispatch an officer. If you are calm under pressure, able to gather information quickly, and offer a voice of comfort in the difficult moments of people's lives, then Warwickshire needs you.
The control room operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. It’s a pressured environment, but it is also a hugely rewarding place to work. Knowing you have helped someone at one of the worst times in their life is incredibly satisfying.
We want people who are calm under pressure, have attention to detail, can multitask, and have the determination to deal with those in need with empathy and professionalism. We are keen to progress with an expectancy of reaching a controller position which will involve direct communication with officers.
Join us in helping protect our communities from harm - we’re recruiting throughout the year, and we are now open for applications, looking for our next new colleague! There is no closing date for this post as applications will be reviewed regularly and candidates updated accordingly.
The planned assessment centre dates for now are:
- 20th November
- 12th December
- 6th January
- 5th February
- 7th March
- 15th April
- 16th May
- 18th June
- 30th July
- 20th August
- 25th September
Please ensure you are free for the earliest one should your application be successful at shortlisting!
If you are full time your starting salary will be £34,982 (£26,106 basic + £8,876 allowances) for 37 hours per week, over 8 weeks with 12 hour shifts (days and nights) on a rotating schedule: 4 shifts on, 2 days, 2 nights, 4 shifts off!
OCC Communications Officer Application Timeline
Initial Application: You will complete an application form and answer questions to demonstrate how your experiences and examples align with the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Your responses will be scored based on the relevance to the role's requirements.
Paper Sift: Independent reviewers will evaluate your application against recruitment criteria, scoring each question from 1-4.
Assessment Centre: Held at Warwickshire Police OCC in Warwick Technology Park. The session takes about 2 hours and includes:
- Spelling Test
- Statement Test (Listening)
- Mapping Exercise
- Typing Test
- Problem Solving Exercise
- Example Calls Exercise
Interview: Conducted via Microsoft Teams and will last about an hour. You will be asked 6 questions related to the essential criteria for the role, with a mix of example-based and scenario-based questions. In preparation for this, think about your transferable skills, research Warwickshire Police, and focus on the specific services offered in the OCC.
Vetting: Before joining, a vetting process is conducted that includes gathering details of your family and any known criminal associations. You must inform those listed as they will be included in these background checks.
Final Offer Of Role: After successfully completing all previous stages, you will receive a formal job offer.
Training: You will undergo 6 weeks of classroom training, Mon-Fri, which will give you the grounding, learning all aspects of the role as well as systems usage, vulnerability, risk, law, and many other elements critical to the role.
Tutoring: Following classroom training, you will be assigned a tutor to guide you as you start taking live calls and transition into the full role of OCC Communications Officer.
Answer the call. Assess the risk. One call can change everything.
What can we offer you? As a valued member of our organisation, you’ll benefit from the below and more!
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Unison Membership
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Free Parking
- On-site Gym Facilities
- Fully equipped kitchen and rest break areas
- Starting Annual Leave balance of 24 days
- Additional payments for bank holiday working
- Access to a wide range of internal support networks
- Access to Coaching & Mentoring Schemes
- Health & Wellbeing Support
- Career progression pathway
- Eligibility for Blue Light discounts
OCC Communications Officer employer: Warwickshire Police
Contact Detail:
Warwickshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OCC Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the types of calls that Warwickshire Police typically handle. Understanding the common scenarios and how to respond can give you an edge during the assessment centre, especially in the example calls exercise.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your multitasking skills! During the role, you'll need to manage multiple pieces of information at once. Try simulating a busy environment at home where you can practice taking notes while listening to audio or watching videos.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Warwickshire Police's values and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about the organisation will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for scenario-based questions by thinking through how you would handle various emergency situations. Reflect on your past experiences where you've had to remain calm under pressure and be ready to share these examples during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace OCC Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description for the OCC Communications Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as calmness under pressure and attention to detail.
Tailor Your Application: When filling out the application form, ensure your responses directly relate to the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle similar situations.
Prepare for the Assessment Centre: Familiarise yourself with the types of tests you will encounter at the assessment centre, such as spelling, listening, and problem-solving exercises. Practising these skills beforehand can help you feel more confident on the day.
Research Warwickshire Police: Gain a good understanding of Warwickshire Police and the services they offer. This knowledge will not only help you in your application but also prepare you for the interview, where you may be asked about the organisation and its values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warwickshire Police
✨Research Warwickshire Police
Before your interview, take some time to research Warwickshire Police and their operations. Understanding their values, mission, and the specific services offered in the OCC will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect a mix of example-based and scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure, multitask, or show empathy. Prepare specific examples that highlight your transferable skills relevant to the Communications Officer role.
✨Practice Active Listening
As a Communications Officer, active listening is crucial. During the interview, practice this skill by ensuring you fully understand each question before responding. This will not only help you provide better answers but also demonstrate your ability to listen effectively, which is vital for the role.
✨Show Your Commitment to Progression
The role offers a pathway to progress to a controller position. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for career development during the interview. Discuss your long-term goals and how you see yourself growing within Warwickshire Police, which will show your dedication to the organisation.
