Home Safety Assistant - Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Annual leave entitlement

Family-friendly policies

Gym access and fitness support

Learning and development opportunities

Blue light discounts

Mental health support

Firefighters Charity access

Cycle to work

Job summary

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting a Home Safety Assistant to join the Home Safety Team based at Exeter. You will be the first point of contact, assess referrals, and coordinate Home Safety Visits for those most at risk.

You will manage diaries for over 30 Home Safety Technicians, handle visits, alarm replacements and other safety interventions, while maintaining sensitive conversations with vulnerable individuals and safeguarding as needed.

Qualifications

• Calm under pressure and organised with a commitment to good customer service.
• Experience using office systems and administration processes.
• Strong listening, communication and questioning skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to undergo DBS and vetting checks.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for Home Safety Visit referrals.
• Assess eligibility and provide advice and signposting.
• Manage and prioritise technician schedules and requests.
• Communicate professionally with vulnerable individuals and families.
• Monitor requests and maintain GDPR-compliant records.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and elevate when needed.
• Liaise with internal departments and external partners.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Organised

Customer service

Communication skills

Listening skills

Questioning skills

Independent & collaborative

Flexible approach

Proactive

GDPR awareness

Education

Good academic background

Tools

Office software

Job description

Are you passionate about helping vulnerable people stay safe in their homes? We are looking for a compassionate, organised and resilient Home Safety Assistant to join our busy Home Safety Team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter.

At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our vision is to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies and create safer communities. This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference supporting some of the most vulnerable people across Devon and Somerset.

About the role:

As the first point of contact for members of the public, partner agencies and colleagues, you will provide home safety advice, assess referrals and coordinate Home Safety Visits for those most at risk.

You'll manage and prioritise the diaries of more than 30 Home Safety Technicians, ensuring visits, replacement alarm requests and other safety interventions are scheduled effectively. Working in a fast paced environment, you'll handle sensitive and sometimes distressing conversations with vulnerable individuals, using sound judgement to identify risk and ensure the right support is provided.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact for Home Safety Visit referrals from the public and partner agencies.
• Assess eligibility for Home Safety Visits and provide advice, information and signposting where appropriate.
• Manage and prioritise technician schedules and respond to changing operational demands.
• Communicate professionally and empathetically with vulnerable individuals and their families.
• Monitor and action requests received through shared inboxes and internal systems.
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR requirements.
• Use professional judgement to identify safeguarding concerns and elevate issues when necessary.
• Liaise with internal departments and external partners to support community safety outcomes.

What we are looking for:

We're seeking someone who is calm under pressure, highly organised and committed to providing excellent customer service. You will also have:

• A good academic background
• Experience using office systems and administration processes.
• Strong listening, communication and questioning skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a busy team.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work.
• A commitment to continuous improvement
• The ability to manage competing priorities and frequent interruptions.
• A willingness to undergo DBS and vetting checks as required.

In addition to a rewarding role that helps keep communities safe, you'll benefit from:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Family-Friendly policies
• Free gym access and fitness support
• Learning and development opportunities
• Blue light membership and associated discounts
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Access to the Firefighters Charity
• Cycle to Work Scheme

For a informal discussion about the role, or to find out more, please contact Kerri Morgan - Home Safety Team Manager via 01392 716433, or

Closing Date: 2359hrs 5 November 2026.