Contact handler - answering 999/101 calls Maidstone, England
Job description
Are you good in a crisis?
Can you keep calm under pressure?
Do you have what it takes to answer an emergency call in someone's time of need?
We currently have an exciting opportunity to join us as a contact handler (37 and 33 hour shifts available), working within the Force Control Room at Sutton Road, Maidstone. The Force Control Room is moving to Coldharbour, located near Junction 5 on the M20 in Maidstone around October 2023, however this date may be subject to change.
Please note: remote working is not possible due to the nature of these roles.
The role. Contact handlers work shifts over a 24-hour period, 365 days a year and are the first point of contact for answering all emergency 999 calls and non-emergency 101 calls.
You will receive a variety of calls, often challenging in nature, including reports of missing people, road traffic collisions and crimes in action. At times you will be talking to people in potentially dangerous or vulnerable situations, and it is down to you to stay calm and determine the most appropriate response. We will provide you with the highest standard of training and on-the-job support to prepare you for the different situations you may face.
Please note no annual leave or time off will be granted during your training programme except for exceptional circumstances.
Skills and experience. You do not need previous experience; instead, we're looking for common sense, attention to detail, great IT skills (including good typing skills) and a high-level of accuracy.
You must be an excellent communicator, team-player and have empathetic problem-solving capabilities while maintaining a calm head under pressure. Above all, you'll have the drive, passion, and determination to make a difference and deliver an outstanding service.
Supporting you. Your wellbeing and safety are at the heart of all we do. We will support you via a wide range of Wellbeing services. We also have several active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Valuing Difference. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that better reflects the communities we serve. A diverse workforce widens our range of experience, perspectives, and knowledge, allowing us to be approachable within the communities we serve. This helps make our communities safer and Kent Police a stronger more united police force.
Salary and Benefits. In return for the amazing job you will do as a contact handler, you will receive great benefits, including opportunities for career development, access to onsite gyms, an excellent pension scheme, free parking, uniform and local and national discounts.
Vetting. Before anyone joins Kent Police, we need to undertake a series of vetting checks to help identify and assess any identified risks, including criminal record and credit reference checks. To help us do this we ask you to complete a detailed vetting form which asks for details of your family members (parents, partner, children, and siblings) and any criminal associates. You must let anyone whose details you have provided know that they will be investigated as part of your pre-employment checks. Legislative constraints mean that we’re unable to disclose the results of enquiries on third parties.
Other information that we will ask you to disclose includes financial information such as outstanding debts, CCJs etc. We run a credit reference check on all applicants. Police staff have access to privileged and highly sensitive information, which may make them vulnerable to corruption, so it’s important for us to understand applicants’ financial situation. Read our full vetting guidance at www.kent.police.uk/vetting
Recruitment event. We are hosting a number of recruitment events:
- Meet the team - Thursday 22 June 2023 at 6pm to 8pm at The Force Control Room, Sutton Road, Maidstone
- Virtual event on MS Teams – Thursday 28 June 2023, 12pm to 12.30pm
Find further information and book your place at www.kent.police.uk/fcr-events
Further information
Please visit www.kent.police.uk/fcr for further information on the role such as shift pattern, requirements of the role, alongside what we can offer you.
If this role interests you, please apply now...we'd love to hear from you!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £23,541.00-£27,171.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Maidstone: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you a United Kingdom, European Union, or commonwealth citizen, with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom?
- Are you over the age of 18?
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Contact handler
