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- Tasks: Ensure safety and order while supporting rehabilitation in a dynamic prison environment.
- Company: Join Sodexo Justice Services, a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on individuals' lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of duty.
- Other info: Applicants must be 18+; full security clearance checks apply.
The predicted salary is between 29463 - 30228 £ per year.
SECURE THE PRESENT, SHAPE THE FUTURE - Transform Lives as a Prison Custody Officer! If you are pursuing a career with meaning, we welcome you to apply for the position of Prison Custody Officer at HMP Northumberland. As a Prison Custody Officer, you will stand at the forefront of ensuring safety and order within our facilities. This isn’t merely a job; it’s an opportunity to become an integral part of a team devoted to rehabilitation, security, and community welfare.
Our comprehensive 8-week training program, carried out locally, will swiftly bring you up to speed and furnish you with the necessary tools to excel in your role. From shadowing seasoned colleagues to mastering conflict resolution techniques, you will be fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
To be a successful Prison Custody Officer, the behaviours and qualities you bring are what matter most.
The Role and Required BehavioursWorking as a Prison Custody Officer demands resilience, patience, and a strong sense of duty. It’s not a role for the faint-hearted. You will encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are facing significant challenges and grappling with the consequences of their actions. Your days will be filled with moments of tension, unpredictability, and occasional conflict.
You will need to embody the following behaviours to thrive in this role:
- Calm Under Pressure: Manage stressful or volatile situations with a clear head and composed demeanour.
- Empathy and Respect: Treat everyone with dignity, understanding that respect is essential to building rapport and maintaining authority.
- Strong Ethical Standards: Uphold fairness and integrity in all interactions, ensuring trust and accountability.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Stay focused and effective even in challenging or rapidly changing circumstances.
- Effective Communication: Clearly and confidently convey information, listen actively, and handle difficult conversations tactfully.
- Conflict Resolution Skills: Address disputes constructively, using de-escalation techniques where necessary.
- Teamwork: Collaborate with colleagues to ensure safety and operational efficiency, contributing to a supportive work environment.
- Vigilance: Maintain high levels of observation and awareness to pre-empt risks and respond swiftly when needed.
Through daily interactions, you will establish rapport with prisoners and witness their progression. This role also rewards personal growth, teamwork, and career advancement opportunities.
Your daily responsibilities will include:- Maintaining safety, security and discipline within the prison environment.
- Supervising daily routines, activities and prisoner movements.
- Building professional relationships to foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
- Escorting prisoners securely within and outside the facility when required.
- Responding to challenging situations with calmness, professionalism, and resilience.
- Supporting rehabilitation programs and encouraging positive behaviours.
- Starting salary £29,463.89, with annual increases over initial 4 years’ service.
- Free meals (if applicable) and parking.
- Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membership.
- Opportunity to earn overtime (subject to availability).
- Comprehensive paid training and progression opportunities.
- Life assurance.
- Pension schemes and much more!
Please see the benefits guide attached which outlines all of Sodexo's excellent benefits!
Whether your background is in the Armed Forces, Social Care, Support Work, Teaching, Retail, or another field, if you are looking for a career with transformative potential, consider exploring opportunities with Sodexo Justice Services. Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey as a Prison Custody Officer.
To progress your application, we will need to complete a pre-screening call within a few days of your submission. You will then be invited to participate in an assessment centre. All offers are subject to full security clearance checks. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
About The CompanyWe’re all about building a workplace for the future. We believe in equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and everyone can be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Prison Custody Officer employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key behaviours required for the role, such as resilience and effective communication. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities, as they will be crucial during your assessment.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the rehabilitation programmes offered at HMP Northumberland. Understanding their approach will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in contributing to the inmates' transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the pre-screening call by practising how to articulate your motivations for wanting to become a Prison Custody Officer. Highlight your commitment to safety, security, and community welfare, as these are core values of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Prison Custody Officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the job and may even share tips on how to excel in the assessment centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and required behaviours of a Prison Custody Officer. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience that showcases your resilience, empathy, and ability to handle stressful situations. This could include roles in social care, support work, or even volunteer positions.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and your understanding of its challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you embody the qualities they are looking for, such as effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
Prepare for the Assessment Centre: Once your application is submitted, prepare for the assessment centre by practising situational judgement tests and role-playing scenarios that may arise in the role. This will help you feel more confident and ready to showcase your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Show Your Resilience
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to handle stressful or volatile situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Respect
Emphasise your understanding of the importance of treating everyone with dignity. Discuss how you build rapport and maintain authority through respect, which is crucial in a role like this.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to showcase your ability to convey information clearly and listen actively. You might even want to role-play a difficult conversation to demonstrate your tact.
✨Prepare for Conflict Resolution Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle conflicts. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully resolved disputes using de-escalation techniques, showing your capability to manage challenging situations.
