Contract: Permanent

Full-Time: 40 hours per week

Salary: £34,268.75 – £36,000.75 per annum including shift allowance

The Australian High Commission, London is looking for a Security Guard to work regular 12-hour shifts. The rostered shift pattern will include periodic weekend and night shifts.

Please note that the successful applicant will be engaged under a UK contract of employment as a Locally Engaged Staff member.

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the Position

The key responsibility of the Reception Shift Security Guard is to assist the Australian High Commission in supporting the physical security of Australia House, our employees and visitors in line with standard operating procedures and guidelines. As the first point of contact, the Reception / Shift Security Guard is responsible for dealing with members of the public in a polite, personable and effective manner.

The role operates on a rotating shift basis, which typically allows for a fortnightly roster of four days on, four days off, followed by four nights on, four days off. A day shift will run from 6:30am to 6:30pm and a night shift from 6:30pm to 6:30am.

The key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Act as team leader for the Day and Event Guards and provide security and guard services to the High Commission.
• Ensuring all relevant security procedures are undertaken in relation to visitors to the High Commission.
• Monitor the Visit Management System (VMS) and Security Management MS Outlook mailbox. Receive visitors and contact relevant officer who will escort visitors.
• Assist with/respond to queries from the public, in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Arrange issue and collection of door keys and maintenance of the Key Register.
• Monitor CCTV, fire and alarm systems, and report all incidents to the supervisor. Assist with safe evacuation of staff, and maintain security of the building thereafter.
• Conduct internal and external patrols and nightly check of all areas of the High Commission.
• Maintain Occurrence Record for each shift, submitting shift reports daily and incident reports as required.
• Assist with out of hours clients outside normal working hours, presenting by phone or in person.

Qualifications/Experience

Essential

• Effective communication and customer service skills, with proven ability to remain calm and polite under pressure and show discretion and professionalism at all time.
• Experience acting as a team leader, co-ordinating a team roster and fostering good team dynamics.
• Security Industry Association qualification or prior training.
• Experience monitoring CCTV, auditing, and the ability to provide Audio and Written Evidence of security breaches, up to an evidential standard expected within the Courts.
• X-Ray operation and interpretation to SIA standard.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage professionally with senior stakeholders including VIPs.
• Experience answering telephone calls and forwarding as appropriate.
• Experience operating a fire or other alarm system in a commercial environment.

Desirable

• Current SIA licence
• Experience in protective security, law enforcement, military policing or similar career background.
• Experience working in a busy reception area, interacting with the public and visitors.
• First Aid at Work Qualified or similar standard qualification or ability to obtain and maintain qualification.
• Clean UK driving licence (or ability to obtain and maintain licence).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Please address each of the selection criteria for the role in the spaces provided on the application form. Drawing from your prior experience, please provide examples of where you have demonstrated the required competencies or transferrable skills.

The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses that exceed the word limit.

A. The ability to liaise effectively with staff and members of the public in a polite and professional manner, using strong verbal and written communication skills to provide excellent customer service.

B. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to contribute to a team environment, including willingness to cover for team members as required.

C. The ability to act calmly under pressure and use good judgement in responding to security incidents and emergencies.

D. Strong organisational skills with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.

E. Proficiency using IT software programs, including the Microsoft Office suite, and electronic documents and databases.

The Australian High Commission, London is looking for a Security Guard to work regular 12-hour shifts. The rostered shift pattern will include periodic weekend and night shifts.