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- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, including security checks, managing deliveries, and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, making a difference in public safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, retail discounts, and paid apprenticeship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just bring good communication skills and a calm attitude under pressure.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential career progression into other prison roles.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 31200 £ per year.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of a busy prison. You will be part of a supportive team doing all sorts of things – from security and searches at the gate, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. It’s a varied and active job involving tasks which combine some desk duties with more physical tasks such as lifting, carrying and walking to escort vehicles across the prison grounds.
You don’t need any qualifications to do this job, but if you are a good communicator and can keep calm under pressure, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career for you. Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely, you will have good judgement and common sense, and, above all, be a great team player. As an OSG, you will work a variety of shifts, including weekend and night shifts, to keep things running.
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to protect the public and make an impact on lives by supporting the important work happening daily in our prisons. Unlike our prison officers, your contact with prisoners is limited, although depending on the particular prison you may interact with prisoners occasionally. The OSG role will give you significant knowledge and experience of how a prison operates. It can provide opportunities to move into other prison jobs, including opportunities to apply for the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.
What you can expect from us:
- You’ll be given great training and opportunities for progression and development.
- In addition to your base pay, you will receive:
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated on a pro-rata basis).
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- Access to the generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.
If this sounds like you, apply now.
Operational Support employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and the various roles within it can help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with potential employers. Being able to convey information clearly and effectively is crucial in a role that involves security and visitor management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to remain calm under pressure. Consider sharing examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations, as this will resonate well with the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Operational Support Grades if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operational Support Grade position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on showcasing your communication skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and teamwork experience in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar situations in the past.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention your enthusiasm for contributing to the safety and smooth operation of the prison.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As an Operational Support Grade, effective communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and calmly, especially under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
This role requires a great team player. During the interview, share specific instances where you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
The job involves making quick decisions in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to use your judgement effectively. This could be in previous jobs or even in everyday situations where you had to assess risks and make informed choices.
✨Be Ready for Physical Tasks
Since the role includes physical duties, it’s important to show that you are fit and capable. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your physical ability, such as previous jobs or activities that required lifting, carrying, or being active.
