Home Safety Assistant – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Contract: Permanent, part time (29.6 hours per week).

Location: Service Headquarters, Exeter, EX3 0NW

Salary: Starting salary of £24,412 per annum (29.6 hours per week) rising annually to £26,495 per annum. Full time equivalent salary range is £30,515 – £33,119.

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.

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 escalate 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.
Why join us?

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

Flexible working arrangements
Local Government Pension Scheme
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
Closing Date: 2359hrs 5 November 2026.