Call Handler and Dispatch Operator (Dual Role)

Overview

South Yorkshire Police is seeking to appoint a dedicated Call Handler and Dispatch Operator to join their Force Control Room at Atlas Court, Sheffield. This permanent, full-time position involves being the initial point of contact for various public and agency communications including emergency 999 calls, non-emergency 101 calls, crime reports, intelligence submissions, and general inquiries via telephone and electronic channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and critically evaluate diverse incoming calls and contacts, discerning their purpose and collecting adequate information to allow precise and timely responses.
• Conduct risk assessments and decide on appropriate resolutions, including deployment grading, prioritization, and directing incidents to the correct agencies.
• Accurately document all relevant information using designated systems to maintain audit trails and support performance monitoring.
• Operate multiple applications and manage incident records, resource availability, and communication within the Force Control Room.
• Utilize the Airwave radio network to liaise with operational patrols and deploy resources according to force protocols.
• Monitor and handle internal messaging systems, ensuring communication continuity and coordination.

Required Skills and Experience

• Exceptional verbal communication capabilities, including empathy and the ability to tailor language effectively for different audiences.
• Strong active listening aptitude, enabling understanding beyond spoken words to grasp intent and meaning.
• Competent multitasking skills to simultaneously listen, type, speak, and input data efficiently.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to perform under pressure, alongside effective problem-solving and logical decision-making abilities.
• Experience with IT systems, databases, and information gathering techniques.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently after training, and an effective team player.

Work Conditions and Compensation

Position based at Atlas Court, a location conveniently situated near Sheffield City Centre and Meadowhall. Working hours total 37 per week under a 24/7 shift pattern that includes weekends and bank holidays. The salary range is £28,914 to £31,749, plus a 20% additional allowance for shift and weekend work, resulting in a potential starting total of approximately £38,745 (pro-rata for job share).

Additional Information

• Candidates must possess a minimum three-year checkable history as part of vetting requirements.
• Tattoos are permitted provided they meet professional and role-related standards.
• The role emphasizes a fixed workplace setting primarily on police premises.
• During the initial 13-week training, full-time attendance Monday through Friday at Rotherham and Atlas Court locations is mandatory, with no annual leave permitted during this period.
• The application process includes comprehensive pre-employment checks such as references, medical and vetting clearances, and absence history.
• South Yorkshire Police offers supportive employment benefits including generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and various development opportunities.
• Applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply, with dedicated support available.

Contact and Application Deadlines

Interested candidates can contact Stephanie Ballantyne via email for further details. An information session will be available online on Tuesday, 24th March at 6:00 pm for prospective applicants. The closing date for applications is 5th April 2026. Further role-specific documents and guidelines are provided by the employer upon request.