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- Tasks: Support individuals in custody, manage behaviours, and ensure safety and security.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to making Scotland safer and transforming lives.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £34,789, progressing to £40,850; ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK; no prior experience required.
- Other info: Shift work required; physically demanding role with emotional challenges.
The predicted salary is between 34789 - 40850 £ per year.
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Salary: Starting salary of £34,789 progressing to £40,850 within 3 years, subject to pay progression
Hours of work : Shift Work
The Scottish Prison Service is now recruiting for Residential Officers to join us throughout 2024/25
This advertisement is for HMP Edinburgh and HMP Perth only, we will be recruiting for other areas within the year, look out for this on the SPS Careers website.
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.
The Immigration Act 2014 requires employers to check documents to establish a person’s eligibility to work in the UK and comply with any restrictions before they start work. Therefore, all candidates who are successful in the selection process for this role, when requested, will be required to provide evidence of their right to work.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS), established in 1993, is an agency of the Scottish Government whose principal objective is to contribute to making Scotland safer by protecting the public and reducing reoffending. The SPS aims to achieve this by ensuring delivery of secure custody, safe and orderly prisons, high quality standards of care, and opportunities for those in custody to build capacity to help them reintegrate into the community on release.
Prison Officers are a principal agent of delivery of the SPS Vision of Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives as they are a critical point of contact between those in custody and the organisation charged with their safety, security and personal development. Prison Officers have a positive and caring approach towards those in our care and adopt an asset-based approach, fostering effective relationships in order to help those in SPS care to desist from offending and help transform their lives.
The role depends upon Prison Officers embracing the aims and ethos of the SPS Mission and their personal efficacy and professionalism are vital to developing and maintaining essential working relationships with those in our care. The design and delivery of person-centred services, requires staff who not only demonstrate SPS Values, but who believe in change and their ability to affect it.
Our values are;
Belief – belief that people can change
Respect – have proper regard for individuals, their needs and their human rights
Integrity – apply high ethical, moral and professional standards
Openness – work with others to achieve the best outcomes
Courage – have the courage to care regardless of circumstances
Humility – recognise that we can learn from others
Newly appointed Prison Officers – Residential will undertake a block of training as part of a new professional development pathway which represents a significant and positive investment in the professional Prison Officer in Scotland. As such, the role requires a strong on-going commitment to personal and professional development.
Prison Officers – Residential will spend the majority of their time in the residential (accommodation) area of the prison. The role can be physically demanding in that it involves walking and standing for a majority of the time and there will be frequent occasions where physical fitness and dexterity will be required to assist in the secure handling of challenging situations. The potentially intense nature of the interactions with those in our care and their families may exert emotional demands on Prison Officers.
Candidates please note: Prison Officer – Residential members of staff work on a rostered shift pattern.
To find out more about our locations please visit our Prison Locations Page.
Please refer to the attached documents which provide further information regarding the recruitment process and other candidate guidance.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the recruitment team at [emailprotected]
Responsibilities
Encouraging positive behaviours in individuals in engaging with rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives and processes through a supportive, caring and inclusive approach, consistently demonstrating support and respect for equality, diversity and human rights.
Contributing to the prevention and constructive management of challenging and/or difficult behaviours whilst demonstrating fairness and consistency in order to build positive relationships with individuals in custody.
Managing individuals’ case work and exercising professional judgement in responding to particular needs and challenges, identifying changes in individuals’ physical and mental health and initiating appropriate responses by others.
Completion of all administration and communications relevant to the role, in line with local and national requirements and standards. This includes processing, analysing, evaluating and disseminating appropriate and relevant information, as well as production of high quality and accurate report writing and maintenance of paper and electronic records in accordance with SPS policies and relevant legislation.
Contributing to effective operational risk management by ensuring the safe and secure supervision of those in SPS care ensuring their needs and entitlements are consistently met in line with Prison Rules and Directives, SPS policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and relevant legislation.
Managing conflict, with a focus on de-escalation, and contributing towards local incident management using established and approved techniques whilst recognising and managing the impact of challenging behaviours on self and others.
For further information or to submit your application, please click the apply button.
Additional information:Remote Job: Fully in-personEmployment type: Full-time
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Residential Prison Officer employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Prison Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to rehabilitation and personal development will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed conflict or supported individuals in need.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your physical fitness and ability to handle demanding situations. If you have any relevant experience in physically challenging roles, be sure to highlight this during your interactions with the recruitment team.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Discuss any training or courses you've undertaken that relate to social care, conflict management, or rehabilitation, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Prison Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Residential Prison Officer position. Understand the responsibilities and the values of the Scottish Prison Service, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience that demonstrates your ability to manage challenging behaviours, support rehabilitation, and work in a team. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.
Showcase Your Values: The Scottish Prison Service values belief, respect, integrity, openness, courage, and humility. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your professional life.
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, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Residential Prison Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role, as well as the values of the Scottish Prison Service. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and suitability during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Values
The Scottish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on their core values: belief, respect, integrity, openness, courage, and humility. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your personal and professional life, and provide examples of how you've applied them in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle difficult situations, manage conflict, and support individuals in custody. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges, focusing on your approach and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Given the emotionally demanding nature of the role, it's important to convey your emotional resilience and ability to cope with stress. Share strategies you use to maintain your well-being and how you manage the emotional aspects of working in a challenging environment.
