Emergency Communications Operator

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Police Roles

Staff Roles

Police Staff
Permanent
Full Time
Command & Control
Portishead, Police Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead- BS20 8QJ
SC 4

£24,921 - £27,351

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.  
Shift Allowance, Weekend Working Enhancement
Shift allowances of £7,185 - £7,958pa. Total compensation £28,320 - £31,364
20%
37

30/01/2022, 23:55

Our emergency call handlers are passionate about customer service and strive to consistently provide our customers, the communities of Avon and Somerset, the best possible service in their times of need.

The Emergency Communications Operator is the shared job title for the roles of Call Handler and Dispatcher.  Both roles are based in our award winning emergency control room at Police Headquarters, Portishead. 

About the role:

As a Call Handler you will be the first point of contact to the people of Avon and Somerset during times of crisis, taking 999 emergency and non-emergency calls and providing immediate support, reassurance and advice.

Dispatcher will work closely with our 999 and 101 Call Handlers to assess the calls received and then advise, direct and deploy police resources.  You will make the decision on how to respond and guide police teams attending the incident.  Part of your role will also include taking 999 calls.

Both roles involve communicating via a headset and using multiple systems and 3-4 desktop screens. 

Your journey with us will start with a 4 to 6 weeks training course at Police HQ in Portishead, our inspiring team of dedicated trainers will teach you the skills you need to give expert advice to members of the public in the most critical situations.

You will need to be prepared to work a variety of shifts in both roles, of which will include a proportion of weekends, nights and bank holidays (for example: 0700-1700, 1300-2300 & 2300-0700). In addition to your basic salary, you will also receive shift allowances which will enhance your salary to £28,320 - £31,364 per annum.

What we are looking for:

You’ll need to be an excellent communicator, the kind of person who can empathise and a natural problem solver.  Previous experience within a customer service environment is great, but more importantly, we’re looking for dedicated team players with excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to work efficiently and accurately.

Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences but are all united in their pride and ability to #bethedifference (click the link to watch a YouTube video clip about our inclusive culture).

Your experience shapes who you are and we’re offering you the unique opportunity to bring your own perspectives and apply them to your role every day.  We are dedicated to increasing our ability to better communicate and understand the public we serve, with this in mind, we encourage applicants who converse in multiple languages to apply.

Why Avon and Somerset Police?

We aim to provide an environment which encourages our employees, we invest in our people and we strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and thrive. Our organisation values of caring, inclusive, courageous and learning are at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and celebrate individuality. We recognise that people work in different ways and we want to build teams that offer alternative viewpoints and nurture a culture where everyone can bring their true self to their role. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce so that we are truly representative of our communities.  We accept applications from everyone regardless of your background, culture, beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability.

As well as some envious benefits you’ll have access to free parking, an on-site gym, Costa Coffee shop and modern offices with stunning views overlooking the Gordano valley.  All minutes from the M5 motorway and within easy commuting distance from Bristol and the south west.

Interested? If so, visit our website for much more information about the roles available: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/apply/jobs-and-volunteering/communications-centre/

Important information:

We currently have vacancies for both Call Hander and Dispatcher roles and your application will be assessed for suitability across both positions through the recruitment process. 

You will be required to attend our mandatory familiarisation event followed by an assessment/interview (the assessment and interview process will be carried out on the same day - assessment in the morning followed by the interview in the afternoon). Invites will be emailed to applicants once your completed application has been received.

Please take note of the following key dates:

Familiarisation events:

Friday 28th January 2022 at 12pm

Assessment and Interview:

To Be Confirmed

We welcome our previous applicants to reapply (N.B. if you have passed our eligibility criteria and have not previously failed vetting checks).

Please note, once appointed you cannot make an internal recruitment application to move from the post of Call Handler or Dispatcher within two years of the date of your appointment.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country. 

Find out more about our benefits and culture


Click the video link below to see why our colleagues feel they can "Be the Difference"






Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants)

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

  • National Insurance Number
  • Identification Detail e.g. passport
  • Address information including proof 
  • Referee information
  • Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained
  •  Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe of any visible tattoos you have

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos. 

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants

The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes.

Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save.  

If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission. 

This vacancy is closed to applications.