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- Tasks: As a Prison Officer, you'll maintain order and support offenders in their rehabilitation journey.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to building a safer Scotland through transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary of £28,425, progressing to £32,200, plus shift work flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK; no prior experience required.
- Other info: Shift patterns include early, day, back, and night shifts; apply by 17 April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28425 - 32200 £ per year.
Starting salary of £28,425 progressing to £32,200 within 3 years, subject to pay progression.
Shift work.
The Scottish Prison Service is now recruiting for Prison Officers - Operations to join us throughout 2025/2026. As an Operations Officer, you will be in an almost unique position of being able to make a real difference to the community that you live in and be at the very heart of delivering the SPS’ vision of ‘Helping to build a safer Scotland by Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives’. Your role will be challenging and immensely rewarding with responsibility for maintaining custody and order whilst facilitating opportunities for those in our care.
You will influence and encourage offenders to maintain contact with their families, access education and training and ultimately assist them on their journey to be contributory citizens within our communities. Contributing towards the prevention and management of challenging behaviour; you will provide safe and secure custodial services that empower offenders to take responsibility and transform their lives.
In this role you will be responsible for the overall functioning and security of the establishment, working as part of a team and carrying out roles in Front of House, Visits, Electronic Control Room, Patrol and Prisoner Reception.
Please note: as part of the Operations Officer role, you will be expected to work shifts in line with a set roster. These shifts will cover a variety of working patterns including; early shift, day shift, back shift and night shift.
Closing date: 17 April 2025.
Applicants please note: The Scottish Prison Service is not a licenced Sponsor and Visa Sponsorship is not available for this role. For the role you have applied for you must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service.
Prison Officer - Operations employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's mission and values. Understanding their vision of 'Helping to build a safer Scotland' will help you align your motivations and experiences with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in conflict resolution or working in challenging environments. This role requires maintaining order and managing behaviour, so showcasing relevant skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison officers if possible. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role, which can help you prepare for interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared for shift work and discuss your flexibility during interviews. Since the role involves various shifts, showing that you can adapt to different schedules will be a significant advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Prison Officer - Operations position. Understand the responsibilities and expectations, especially regarding shift work and the impact on community safety.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that aligns with the role. Focus on skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, which are crucial for maintaining order and supporting offenders.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to work as a Prison Officer. Emphasise your commitment to community safety and your ability to support offenders in their rehabilitation journey.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Officer - Operations. Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's vision and how your role contributes to building a safer Scotland. This will help you articulate your motivation for applying.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As this role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in challenging situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The job requires managing challenging behaviour and maintaining order. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations in the past, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Discussion
Since the role involves shift work, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to various working patterns. Highlight any previous experience with shift work and how you managed your time effectively during those periods.
