Community Safety Officer

Job Title: Community Safety Officer
Location: Essex, UK
Department: Community Services
Reports to: Community Safety Manager

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Community Safety Officer to join our team at a local authority in Essex. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities by tackling crime, anti-social behaviour, and environmental issues. The Community Safety Officer will work closely with residents, community groups, law enforcement, and other local agencies to improve the quality of life for all within the area.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement:
   1. Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, residents, and stakeholders to identify and address safety concerns.
   2. Attend community meetings and events to provide advice and updates on safety initiatives.
   3. Work in collaboration with local police, council teams, and voluntary organisations to develop community safety programs.
2. Monitoring and Enforcement:
   1. Assist in the investigation of incidents related to anti-social behaviour, crime, and environmental issues (e.g., fly-tipping, noise pollution).
   2. Issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for breaches of local bylaws and council policies.
   3. Ensure that relevant laws, regulations, and policies are adhered to in all community safety activities.
   4. Support the implementation of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and other measures to address local concerns.
3. Advice and Support:
   1. Provide advice to residents and businesses on crime prevention, safety measures, and reporting incidents.
   2. Offer support and referrals to relevant services for victims of crime or anti-social behaviour.
   3. Deliver safety campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness of local issues and promote safe communities.
4. Reporting and Documentation:
   1. Maintain accurate records of incidents, complaints, and actions taken in accordance with local authority guidelines.
   2. Monitor and report on trends and patterns related to community safety, making recommendations for improvements.
   3. Prepare and present reports to senior management and external partners as required.
5. Training and Development:
   1. Keep up to date with changes in local safety policies, legislation, and best practices.
   2. Attend relevant training and development programs to enhance skills and knowledge in community safety and law enforcement.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

1. Essential:
   1. Experience in a community safety or public sector role, ideally within a local authority or law enforcement setting.
   2. Strong understanding of community safety issues and local government policies.
   3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of people.
   4. Ability to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
   5. Good knowledge of relevant legislation, including anti-social behaviour laws and crime prevention strategies.
   6. Strong organisational and report-writing skills.
2. Desirable:
   1. A relevant qualification in community safety, criminology, or a related field.
   2. Previous experience in enforcement or issuing fines for bylaw breaches.
   3. Knowledge of Essex's local communities and key issues facing them.

Personal Attributes:

1. Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of responsibility.
2. Empathetic and able to provide practical support to vulnerable individuals.
3. Team-oriented with the ability to work independently when required.
4. Adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities and situations.

Working Conditions:

1. Full-time, 37 hours per week.
2. Some evening and weekend work may be required to attend community events or meetings.
3. Occasional travel across the Essex area to engage with communities and support initiatives.

Salary and Benefits:

1. Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
2. Local authority benefits package, including pension scheme, annual leave, and access to training and development opportunities.

If you are passionate about creating safer communities and have the necessary skills and experience, we invite you to apply for the role of Community Safety Officer.

g2 Recruitment are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law.