We are welcoming applications for the role of Dispatch & Contact Officer with Dorset Police based at the following location(s): Police Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorset  

Salary: Scale D - Starts at £27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £29,859 per annum 
Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part-time or you are appointed on a part-time basis your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon & Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same Scale.

Type of employment: Permanent 

Type of working arrangement: Static-Worker - A Static-Worker has little or no opportunity to work remotely as they need to carry out their work at a specific force premises, this could be for a number of reasons including the location of equipment. 

Hours per week: this role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need. 

Details about the hybrid working e.g Office attendance minimum 1 day per week.
This is subject to change as per business requirements: 

Allowances: This role attracts 20% Shift Allowance, Weekend Working Payment (claimable once necessary training has been completed and the full shift pattern is being worked) . For additional information on allowances please see our "allowances" page 

About the role:  

Owing to the nature of the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date.

Earn up to £35,830 per annum.  

The starting salary for Scale D is £31,012, which is inclusive of 14% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2,500 for weekend working which is claimable once training is completed and the full shift pattern has commenced. Therefore, this cannot be claimed during Monday to Friday classroom-based training. 

You will be booked to attend a two-week dispatch course within your 12-month probation and will not be able to claim the weekend working allowance for these two weeks if you are not required to work weekend shifts during this time.

When proficient (this is subject to pass/fail assessments after completion of 999 training) you will move to the full 24/7 shift pattern and receive Scale D £32,644, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2500 for weekend working*. Please note, initial training up to the point of becoming proficient in 999 calls, takes from 5 to 7 months on average. Dispatch training is scheduled after this time frame but well within the probationary period.

Yearly increments will then apply until the top of the scale is reached in order to earn £35,830 per annum, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance.

A unique job for a unique person, this role demands a friendly, patient, broad minded individual with a positive attitude. You must be able to work as part of a close knit, supportive team and make decisions in situations which may be frustrating or distressing for the caller.

The role of a Dispatch and Contact Officer at Winfrith requires you to participate in the operation of the Dorset Contact Management and provide a high-quality service to members of the public, police officers and police staff.

The focus of the Force Command Centre is on making every contact count by ‘getting it right first time’ and ensuring an efficient and effective customer journey as well as seeking to address the maximum number of calls at the first point of contact within a 24-hour capability. You will also be responsible for directing officers to the scenes of incidents and controlling incidents via radio and other forms of digital communication.

Prior to your Contact Officer training course (which you will be advised of once you have started in the role) you will be working as a triage operator to familiarise yourself with Contact Centre and the types of enquiries. The duration of your time on triage will vary depending on when the next training course is due to start. Your salary and shift allowance will remain as above.

You will act as the first point of contact for members of the public using the 101 and 999 service, utilising risk assessments you will ensure that the most appropriate help and support is established, providing an efficient and reactive response to requests for service from the public.