Detention Custody Officer - Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre

Are you passionate about making a difference to people's lives?  

Do you go above and beyond to get the job done?

Care & Custody is one of the leading providers of outsourced public services in the UK. We're looking for respectful, diligent and caring people to join our team of Detention Custody Officers (DCO). 

Campsfield House, which is due to open its doors in December, will become the UK's first all-electric centre.

Specialising in custodial management services, we will care for 160 male residents initially, providing custody services, welfare, regime and recreational activity.

Job Overview

People are shaped by their environment; it's a basic fact of life. Through the dedication, expertise and pride of our people – from the frontline to the leadership – Mitie make places work better every day.​

Our Detention Custody Officers (DCOs) go above and beyond to get the job done, because they care about every interaction. They're passionate about the work they do and proud of the impact they make on people's lives. They show dedication and resilience, to ensure they keep those in our care safe and secure.

Working as a DCO within our team will provide you with the opportunity to maintain high standards of security and safety, whilst promoting the welfare and decency of residents staying at our Immigration Removal Centre. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As you gain experience within this challenging role, we'll support you throughout your time to grow and develop.  

Main Duties

•  The purpose of this role is caring for residents entrusted with us at the Immigration Removal Centre: ensuring exceptional standards of safety, security, dignified care, integrity and respect.

• Engage in highly caring, professional relationships with residents and answer questions they may have, escalating any complex issues to the manager for advice.

• Participate in, support and encourage residents to engage in recreational activities, arts, crafts and other opportunities for cultural expression.

• Adhere to, and promote in others an environment, free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation: for both residents and team colleagues.

• Carry out any necessary shift audits, administration, and counts of residents, reporting accurately as required in a timely manner on our systems
• Through exceptional relationships, risk identification, assessment and responsivity, provide a caring and safe physical and psychological environment to all who live and work at Campsfield.
• Ensure the safe accommodation and detention of residents at the centre so they do not come to harm: strictly adhering to any “Assessment, Care, Detention and Teamwork” (ACDT) plans.
• Pro-actively identify, report using assigned procedures and computer systems, and then direct to support services, any resident suffering a deterioration in physical or mental health and wellbeing, or exhibiting behaviours of concern.

What we are looking for

Being a Detention Custody Officer demands emotional intelligence, patience, resilience and professionalism, to handle an ever-changing day. Those in our care come from a variety of backgrounds, so will need to show sensitivity and respect, whilst maintaining high professional standards. 

You will need good communication skills to work together as part of a team to deliver an exceptional service to our residents.  There may be occasions where you need to deescalate and resolve conflict and, where necessary, prevent residents from harming themselves or others.

The role also requires searching individuals, premises and surrounding areas; removing items which present risk, so that safety and security is maintained.

Full training will be given, but previous experience of conflict resolution and sensitively dealing with a variety of people who have been agitated or confused would be an advantage.  

Working Hours

• Contractual hours of 40 hours per week.
• The Centre is open 24hrs a day 365 days per year, and always requires staff to be fully flexible to meet full staffing .
• Rolling shift pattern with a mixture of short and long days, including a set of night shifts.
• Work on average 5 days each week.

Training (Initial Training Course)

Once you have passed our selection and security clearance process, you'll begin your Care and Custody career by undertaking our 6-week initial training course, for which you will be paid your full salary. You'll then continue your development journey over the following 12 months, culminating in the attainment of the Level 3 apprenticeship in Detention and Custody. Your development doesn't end there, with opportunities to undertake both personal and professional courses the possibilities are endless.

Specific Requirements 

Please note that all offers of employment are subject to security clearance and enhanced background checks:

• You must be a British Citizen, EU citizen with settled status, or have an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from a Commonwealth country.
• Bankruptcy history, CCJs, social media activity and criminal convictions will be closely scrutinized.
• You must have lived in the UK for the past three years with no significant footprint outside of the UK other than for normal holidays.
• You will also be required to pass a basic Maths and English test, and a mobility or fitness test.

Salary and benefits:

We value our people and offer a competitive salary and benefits package to support your lifestyle:

• Salary: £31,500 with potential to earn more via overtime.
• Life insurance.
• Accredited Level 3 apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.
• Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career.
• Free Mitie shares.
• Access to virtual GP 24/7 for yourself and your family.
• MiDeals discount schemes with over 3000 offers available from your favourite retailers, leisure, and utilities companies.
• Additional benefits available to purchase, including extra holidays, private medical cover and home technology.