A community warden, sometimes called a community safety officer, helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the local community.
The Work
You could be:
patrolling the local area on foot, by car or bicycle
responding to reported incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour
visiting community groups, schools, youth clubs and other local initiatives
liaising with the police and voluntary groups such as neighbourhood watch, victim support and residents’ associations
attend call outs to elderly and vulnerable residents through community alarm services
encouraging local people to participate in their communities
issuing fines (fixed penalty notices) for littering, fly tipping and dog fouling
investigating, reporting and coordinating the removal of graffiti, glass and other hazardous items from public places
keeping photographic and written evidence of incidents
depending on the council you may have some duties of a Parking Warden .
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the local authority you work for
the demand for the job.
Community wardens usually earn around £29,000 to £35,000 a year.
Conditions
You would be based in an office, but would spend most of your time out and about in the community.
You would usually work a 37 hour week, including evenings and weekends.
You may work longer shifts of 10 hours, on a 4 days on/4 days off basis.
You would wear a uniform to make sure that you are easily recognised by the public.
You would usually work in pairs.
Useful Subjects
Getting In
Employers would usually look for some subjects at National 4 or 5, including English and Maths.
Experience in a related field such as social or youth work may be preferred.
It may help if you can demonstrate an interest in community safety and security, for example through involvement with voluntary groups.
You may need a full UK driving licence.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of course. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
Jobs are advertised on the myjobscotland website. You would usually be employed by a local authority.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Job Outlook Scotland
Job Outlook Scotland and UK
Scotland
2025
1522
2030
1567
United Kingdom
2025
15622
2030
16070
LMI data powered by Lightcast
What Does it Take?
You need to be:
able to engage with people of all ages and from all backgrounds
honest and trustworthy
assertive and able to deal with difficult situations and people
able to remain calm under pressure
open minded and non-judgemental
able to work as part of a team
able to organise your own workload and meet deadlines
pro-active and able to solve problems.
You should have:
excellent communication and negotiation skills
good customer service skills
an interest in the community.
Training
Training is on the job, and is ongoing.
Getting On
With experience you could get promotion to a senior post, and then area co-ordinator.
You may become a community relations officer, investigating and helping to resolve serious cases of anti-social behaviour.
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