At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the public sector focused on justice and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to quality service.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 € per year.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will look after the day-to-day running of a busy prison, working in a close-knit team to carry out a range of support services – everything from patrol and gate duties, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. You will work shifts and nights to keep things running.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated pro-rata)
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to Work scheme
- 20% unsocial working allowance included in salary
Salary: £29,432 for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance to reflect the requirement to work nights, evenings and weekend shifts.
Hours
You will work an average of 37 hours per week, which will include night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays. These days are added to your holiday allowance. You will work on a rolling shift pattern. Frequency of night shifts will vary by establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Responsibilities, activities and duties are likely to include:
- Gate/portal duties: ensure secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; conduct searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios.
- Control room: operate radio system and monitor CCTV, reporting suspicious activities.
- Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on arrival, escort them if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail and report illicit or contraband items, preserving evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
- Reception: support reception tasks; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for property process; search/x‑ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items and check seals intact.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners as required; undertake prisoner clothing/property exchange and assist officers with free‑flow movement.
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection, may involve electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and escorts to destination; collect mail from local sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor PIN system, maintain log of PIN phone requests, complete paperwork, audit conversations, ensure legal numbers registered solicitors.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, respond to emergencies and incidents appropriately.
Success Profile
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours and experience. It is the ideal opportunity to discuss your work history or personal experiences so we can assess how you will be suited to prison work. Job holders must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
For more information please visit our website.
17071 - Operational Support Grade - Advance Into Justice (West Midlands) employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As an Operational Support Grade in the West Midlands, you will join a dedicated team committed to maintaining safety and security within a busy prison environment. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee well-being, offering generous benefits such as a Civil Service pension scheme, paid apprenticeships, and ample annual leave that increases with service. With opportunities for professional growth and a focus on teamwork, this role provides a meaningful career path in public service.
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 17071 - Operational Support Grade - Advance Into Justice (West Midlands)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get to the interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of interaction with staff and visitors, being able to express yourself clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your past experiences! Think about times when you've had to manage a situation or work as part of a team. These examples will help you demonstrate how you fit into the prison environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to prepare.
We think you need these skills to ace 17071 - Operational Support Grade - Advance Into Justice (West Midlands)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operational Support Grade. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of a busy prison, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand why you’re a great fit for the team.
Show Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, let us know about your teamwork skills! Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles or experiences, as this will show us you’re ready to jump into our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to any additional resources we have to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like gate duties, monitoring CCTV, and supervising visitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the job. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety and Security
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to convey your understanding of safety protocols and security measures. Be ready to discuss how you would handle situations involving prisoners or emergencies, showcasing your ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, shift patterns, or training opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
