Care and Response Officer

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can lease an electric or low-emission vehicle at a reduced cost through salary sacrifice, subject to National Minimum Wage and other eligibility requirements.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

Job Introduction

We’re recruiting a Care and Response Officer to join our Community Alarm service within Adult Services.

This is a rewarding frontline role supporting vulnerable people across Milton Keynes to stay safe and live as independently as possible.

You’ll respond to emergency calls, provide welfare checks and visit people in their homes when they need support.

You’ll also help operate our Community Alarm service, making sure calls are assessed quickly and the right action is taken.

The role includes installing, maintaining and collecting Telecare and Telehealth equipment, as well as keeping accurate records and working with families, colleagues and partner organisations.

Milton Keynes City Council provides essential services around the clock, and we want to make it as easy as possible for residents to get the help they need.

You’ll need to work flexibly as part of a service that supports people with a range of needs, including dementia, complex health needs and disabilities.

We’re happy to offer an informal conversation or a chance to meet us before you apply. To arrange this, please contact Aron Woolnough via Aron.Woolnough@milton-keynes.gov.uk to arrange.

You’ll work a rotating shift pattern covering days and nights.

This consists of four day shifts, four rest days, four night shifts and four rest days, before the pattern repeats. Shifts run from 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am, with a one-hour lunch break.

Site-Based role

This is a Site-Based role, and you’ll be expected to work from the designated workplace.

Interviews for this role will be held on 30th November 2026

Please note, interviews are held in person.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

We take pride in our supportive work culture and try to go that extra mile when it comes to investing in our colleagues.

Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Role Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to emergency calls from people using the Community Alarm service, assess what support is needed and take appropriate action.
• Carry out mobile response visits, welfare checks, assessments and annual reviews to help people remain safe and independent.
• Install, programme, maintain and collect Telecare and Telehealth equipment safely in people’s homes.
• Operate the Community Alarm call-handling system, assessing calls and contacting emergency services, other council services or partner organisations when needed.
• Keep clear, accurate and up-to-date records, ensuring important information is shared appropriately with families, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Work flexibly with colleagues to maintain a reliable service, including providing cover when needed.

Ideal Candidate

• You’ll understand the needs of vulnerable people and take a respectful and empowering approach that supports people to maintain their independence.
• Clear and confident communication will be important, including the ability to listen carefully, adapt your approach to different people and keep accurate written records.
• When situations are difficult or urgent, you’ll be able to remain focused, assess risks and make appropriate decisions about the support someone needs.
• An understanding of confidentiality is important, particularly when recording and sharing sensitive information about people receiving our services.
• Being flexible and comfortable supporting people with different needs, including dementia, complex health needs, multiple disabilities and behaviour that may be challenging, will help you succeed in this role.

Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle

A full UK driving licence is essential, as you’ll be required to drive council vehicles when carrying out mobile response visits.

If we offer you the role, we’ll ask you to provide evidence of your driving licence. We’re unable to confirm an appointment until these documents are received.

Safer Recruitment

Safer Recruitment applies to this role. This means that, before any appointment is confirmed, we’ll carry out a range of pre-employment checks to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults. These checks may include identity verification, where candidates will be required to provide original identification documents, including a full birth certificate, employment history and reference checks, qualification checks and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, (unless you are currently registered with the DBS Update Service). check where required.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Milton Keynes City Council is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We actively encourage applications from candidates who bring a range of perspectives, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

We are proud to have signed up to the Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SC-WRES), a continuous improvement programme designed to help social care organisations achieve anti-racist workplaces. Our commitment means we are actively working to identify and address inequalities, improve representation in leadership, and ensure fair treatment and opportunity for all colleagues in Adult Services. [skillsforcare.org.uk]

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.

Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have an independent and unrestricted right to work in the UK, without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.