Overview
As a PCO at our court, you’ll work as part of a team to provide safe and secure escorting and custody services to detainees, focusing on maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. During court proceedings, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of detainee management until it’s time for them to return to custody or be released.
Responsibilities
* Escort defendants to and from courtrooms, cells, and other areas within the court, including accompanying them to the toilet to ensure security and safety. This may involve being handcuffed to the detainee.
* Monitor and supervise detainees while they are in the docks during court sessions, ensuring they remain secure and do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
* Maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive information discussed during court proceedings, including testimonies and legal arguments. Provide professional support to detainees while managing your own emotional wellbeing.
* Ensure detainees have access to food and drink throughout the day, catering to any dietary requirements or restrictions.
* Monitor the mental and physical health of detainees, provide support, and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
* Ensure the safety and security of the court environment, including responding to incidents or emergencies and conducting thorough searches to prevent contraband.
* Complete necessary paperwork and data entry accurately, including logging detainee movements, incidents, and other relevant information.
* Work closely with other court staff, law enforcement, and legal professionals to ensure smooth and secure court operations.
What you need to do the job
Our current PCOs come to us with diverse work and life experiences. What you’ve done before matters less than your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. You will learn during a 5 1/2-weeks training course with experienced colleagues. Ideally, you’ll have a current valid driver’s license, be reasonably fit, and have good written and verbal communication skills to manage and control all situations. This role requires a high level of responsibility, vigilance, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. You will be an integral part of the judicial process, ensuring that justice is administered safely and securely. Our roles suit those with an interest in criminology or psychology.
Assessment Process
Briefing call to assess eligibility; competency-based virtual interview; short role-play and written exercise.
Additional Information
All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to Ministry of Justice Enhanced Level 2 checks with Enhanced DBS (Adult & Child Barring) and satisfactory employment references. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable young adults. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and work within safeguarding policies.
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules. Applicants who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria: Have at least two years remaining on your current visa; have lived in the UK for at least one year (vetting process requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration).
At Serco, we are a team of 50,000 delivering essential public services worldwide in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and offer employee networks for support.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
* Base Salary of £23,402 (35 hours per week).
* Annual salary progression: year 2 £23,984; year 3 £24,436; year 4 £24,890.
* Pension (matched up to 6%), life insurance; 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 after 7 years) plus Bank Holidays.
* Health and wellbeing benefits such as Employee Assistance Programme, MIND, Simply Health Care and Dental Plans.
* Discounts and exclusive deals across various sectors.
* A supportive team and culture committed to diversity and inclusion.
We are operational 24/6 and require flexibility for various early and late shifts, 35 hours per week. There are different working arrangements and the rota is provided 12 weeks in advance to help you plan time off.
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