Job Introduction
The Care and Response Community Alarm Service helps people to feel safe and secure at home so they can live full and independent lives with the use of technology.
We handle around 10,000 emergency calls per month and offer a mobile responder service to make visits to residents who need in-person help.
We are recruiting three additional Care and Response Officers to support all functions of the service.
There is a requirement to work 12 hour shifts, 08:00 – 20:00 and 20:00 to 08:00, with a shift pattern of 4 shifts working followed by 4 days off, 365 days per year, including weekends and bank holidays. In return, the posts attract an additional alternative working pattern payment of 10%.
Main Responsibility
- Contribute to all functions of the service, including call handling, mobile response and the installation and maintenance of equipment in peoples’ own homes.
- Respond immediately to emergency calls from service users connected to the Care and Response Centre.
- Assess the situation, escalating as necessary to emergency services and offering emergency first aid.
- Carry out annual reviews to maintain equipment, ensure fit of purpose and assess for additional equipment as necessary.
- Make referrals to other services as required and have a working knowledge of MKCC procedures and those of partner agencies.
- Maintain and update manual and computerised systems to ensure clear, accurate and concise records are kept.
- Ensure that families, internal departments and external agencies are kept informed of emergency actions.
- Record and report accurate and relevant information during civil emergencies to senior managers.
The Ideal Candidate
- Has empathy, a caring nature and a willingness to go above and beyond to support those who use the service.
- Will have experience of working within a call handling service and/or social care environment.
- Will be able to evidence excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with the ability to record clearly, accurately and succinctly.
- Have the ability to adapt communication styles to meet those of the caller.
- Will be able to respond calmly and appropriately in complex and crisis situations with the ability to assess and manage risks.
- For this role you are required to have a full UK driving licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business cover and use of a vehicle. If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your licence prior to starting the role.
- Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks an Enhanced DBS will be actioned for you (unless you are on the DBS Update Service).
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
