Engagement Officer in the Detention Engagement Team-DET - Nisha's story
UK Home Office Careers
We are the lead government department for immigration, passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism & police.
Hi, my name is Nisha, and I’m an Engagement Officer in the Detention Engagement Team (DET) at the Home Office.??
We’re recruiting over 60 Engagement Officers to work in Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) at locations across the UK. I’d like to tell you more about me and what it’s like to work here.?
I’m in my third month of working here at the IRC. Previously I was a music teacher and then I moved into the Civil Service?after joining Border Force. I’m using the skills and experience I gained in Border Force, and also in my previous Music Teaching career, to now help residents at the Heathrow IRC, including by keeping a patient and empathetic persona.?
My role at the IRC involves a lot of engagement with residents either face to face through the visits that we conduct, or by telephone and email. We are the main point of contact providing streamlined effective communication between the resident and my colleagues managing their case.?
Every day is different.!??
My shift usually starts by logging in and checking my email for the daily allocations of work sent by the Duty Manager (HEO). I also check my email to keep on top of any communication from Home Office caseworkers regarding the residents. I usually then get ready to visit residents the IRC to serve legal paperwork. I always respond to queries from residents and other IRC colleagues or case workers. It’s a busy, bustling environment to be in. I always remember to smile. Professionalism in dress and conduct in everything we do is key.?
What I enjoy most about the role is the interaction with residents as well as working in a team. I really like the teamwork ethic at the Heathrow IRC. I also really like the fact that you get rewarded and recognised for the hard work that you do. The Employee Assistance Programme is great too for providing support or counselling where colleagues need that. The pension is pretty good too.?
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The Team?
We definitely look after each other, checking how we’re feeling and supporting each other by sharing the workload. It’s a fast-paced day, the shift flies by, so it’s particularly important to work well in the team and not to feel as though you’re trying to do everything on your own.??
Each team member has their own strength, and in my short stint here at the IRC I’ve started mentoring new staff, which was been rewarding.?
Find out more?
You can learn more about the roles available, including the salary, responsibilities and how to apply by visiting the Home Office Careers website. We are also running an online event to find out more about this role. This is an opportunity to hear first-hand what it’s like on a day-to-day basis in these roles, plus learn hints and tips to help you with your application.????
11 Nov at 10:30am??
Shut Down Hassockfield (Derwentside) IRC
9 个月Don't apply for these jobs that are founded on the suffering and heartbreak of vulnerable individuals. Detention is extremely traumatic and harmful. The vast majority of people imprisoned in detention centres will be released back into UK communities. They are detained indefinitely, in prison like conditions, re-traumatised. We don't need Detention Centre Engagement Officers, we need investment in community-based alternatives to detention. This will not only save so much in tax-payers money, but will be much more ethical and inhumane. Don't put profit over people. Seek other jobs. End detention now! Dignity, not detention!