Detention Custody Officer - Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre

At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre

Twinwoods Business Park, Bedford MK44 2FQ

Full time 42 hours, part time roles are available

Salary GBP24,000 - GBP26,000 depending on experience

Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre will be transitioning from housing females to become a predominantly male holding facility.

Here at Serco we're looking for Detention Custody Officers to join our team responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment for people being detained due to their immigration status. Within the centre we accommodate an everchanging population from a variety of backgrounds, all with different faiths, beliefs and cultural values.

It can be an important and often stressful point in their lives, so you'll be at the forefront of ensuring that the arrival process is as worry-free as possible and that they continue to access the support they need throughout their detention. This covers a range of on-site services we offer that you'll help to supervise and promote, including healthcare, welfare, faith and cultural provisions, education and recreation activities.

The centre is open 24/7, meaning you will have to cover various shift patterns, including days, evenings, weekends, nights and bank holidays. You'll always be supported by our exceptional team and all new Detention Custody Officers will receive a 9-week Initial Training Course where you will also receive plenty of opportunity to shadow experienced staff to give you a real taste of life on the job.

What do you need to do the role?

Our people come to us from a variety of backgrounds but what they do have in common is an ability to relate to people, natural communication skills, patience, and a commitment to making a difference to the lives of others.

As a Detention Custody Officer, you'll need a good level of basic fitness, which is something that will be tested during the application process. Whilst English doesn't need to be your first language, we do test your English and Maths skills during the application process (to Level 2 Key Skills).

Why Serco?

Meaningful and vital work: Yarls Wood IRC is focused on decency and respect in all aspects of care for residents, which is delivered at a critical time in their lives. Detention Custody Officers are at the centre of this.

A world of opportunity: Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.

Great people: As well as care for residents we also care for and support one another. We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed with ongoing training development

What we offer

• Paid Training
• Free onsite parking
• Paid Breaks
• Serco Benefits package
• Pension - 6%
• Subsidised meals
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A role with a purpose
• Genuine opportunity for career development
• A chance to really make a difference to people lives
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion

What else do I need to know?

Our current recruitment process for this position is a fully virtual assessment process keeping our candidates and operational safe in the current environment.

This will include calls with our Talent Acquisition team and a virtual assessment with our operational teams.

• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks and approval by the Home Office.
• Please note these vacancies are subject to a 5-year checkable history + Vetting and referencing
• Once you have passed the selection and vetting process you will be required to attend a 9-week Initial Training Course (ITC) at the centre that requires 100% attendance in order to receive Home Office certification.
  

'All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Our diverse workforce gives us the strength to deliver and grow an outstanding, individually responsive service'.

On occasion we receive significantly more applicants than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Serco is a Disability Confident Employer committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact .

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