Home Safety Assistant

About the job

Key information

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.

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.

What will I be doing?

• 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 kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

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.

What is in it for me?

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 opportunties
• Blue light membership and associated discounts
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Access to the Firefighters Charity
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Supporting documents and information

Closing Date: 2359hrs 5 November 2026.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every day, we would love to hear from you. Apply today!

For a informal discussion about the role, or to find out more, please contact Kerri Morgan – Home Safety Team Manager via 01392 716433, or kmorgan@dsfire.gov.uk

Visit the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website for further details and to apply.

Apply on the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service  website

Apply now