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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 real 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 unique insights into prison operations and career progression.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and calmness under pressure are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends and nights, with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 27840 - 39000 £ 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 accompany 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.
- 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 Grade - HMP Highpoint (Prison Support Role) employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support Grade - HMP Highpoint (Prison Support Role)
✨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 knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨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 supervision.
✨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 prison staff if possible. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Highpoint (Prison Support Role)
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. Highlight key skills such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that align with the job role. Emphasise any previous roles that required teamwork, communication, or physical tasks, even if they are not directly related to prison support.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and explains why you would be a great fit. Mention your ability to handle varied tasks and your commitment to supporting the prison's operations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a key part of the role involves communication, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in challenging situations.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The job can be fast-paced and may involve stressful situations. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and provide examples of times when you've remained calm and made sound decisions in difficult circumstances.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires being a great team player. Prepare to talk about your experiences working in teams, highlighting how you contribute to group success and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
The ability to make quick, sensible decisions is crucial. Think of scenarios where you've had to use your judgement effectively, especially in situations that required a balance of safety and efficiency.
