Hi, my name is Helen, and I’m a Detention Engagement Officer working in an Immigration Removal Centre.
When I finished college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to go to university.
I started applying for roles and then went along to a job fair attended by the Home Office. Recruitment representatives were there to promote the Immigration Officer role which sounded interesting, so I decided to apply. I was successful and started my career at the Home Office as an Immigration Officer at an airport. That was back in 1991, and I’m still here, albeit in a different role!
One of the reasons I really like working as a Detention Engagement Officer is that there isn’t an average day. One day you might be dealing with queries from caseworkers requesting information, conducting induction interviews for new centre arrivals, or holding a drop-in surgery with residents. Another day you could be doing asylum or modern slavery interviews or serving documents to residents on behalf of caseworking teams. The work is varied, and that keeps the job interesting.
The best part of my job is being able to engage with residents and knowing that I’m making a difference to them. I can’t always tell residents what they want to hear, and that can be challenging at times, but my job is about having empathy and compassion for their situation and handling their case with understanding, care and respect.
Outside of work, I have three children, with two still living at home. I also have caring responsibilities. I work shifts, including weekends, but I do get a day off during the week to manage my personal life. My managers have been supportive and understanding of my obligations outside of work, which has allowed me to manage both my work and homelife with ease. Shiftwork is not for everyone, but it works for me. I think I get a better work-life balance here than I would if I was working a 9-5, Monday to Friday.
There’s a lot of benefits to working at the Home Office, including a focus on your wellbeing and work-life balance. I feel that I can go to my managers with any concerns or issues, and I will be supported. There is a lot of flexibility and a wide variety of work. If you want to progress or try new things the opportunities are there for you.
Our workforce is diverse, which makes the working environment a great place to be, especially when working with residents from many backgrounds and nationalities.
It is a challenging role and environment but it’s also rewarding. If you like engaging with lots of people, this is a good role to consider. You’ll make a difference to people’s lives, ensuring residents’ immigration cases are progressed appropriately as well as safeguarding vulnerable people.
