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- Tasks: Support prison operations through various duties, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and contribute to public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension options, annual leave, and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while developing teamwork skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just good judgement and responsibility.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 £ per year.
Travel to Work – Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options, therefore a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role (unless specified). Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift. Please carefully consider the location of this vacancy and your transport options.
Accommodation is not provided.
Life as an OSG
Your job can include:
- Gate duties – ensuring the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles.
- Carrying out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles.
- Walking around the prison site to escort vehicles and contractors.
- Issuing and collecting staff keys and radios.
- Walking around the prison site patrolling and searching perimeter fence areas.
- Control room – operating the prison radio system, monitoring CCTV, ensuring all suspicious activities are reported.
- Visits – welcoming visitors on their arrival, escorting them if needed.
- Correspondence – monitoring and logging mail coming into the prison, reporting any contraband items, preserving evidence where needed.
- Night duties – ensuring cell doors are locked and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
- Reception – photographing prisoners, processing prisoners\’ property and parcels coming into the prison.
- Prisoner supervision – sometimes supervising prisoners, exchanging clothing and property, helping prison officers escort prisoners around the prison.
- Food delivery – walking around the prison delivering and collecting food trollies, or sometimes using an electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties – collecting mail from the local sorting office, which may involve lifting heavy sacks.
- Phone calls – monitoring the prison\’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) phone system, maintaining the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners, completing relevant records.
- Procedures and protocol – understanding and conforming to national and local policies, responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
You do not need any qualifications to do this job. Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely requires good judgement, common sense, responsibility and, above all teamwork. The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles.
The Civil Service is committed to ensuring that everyone can demonstrate their skills, talent, and abilities. Offering reasonable adjustment support to candidates when they apply for one of our jobs is just one way we do this.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Benefits
Annual Leave: The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non-standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate.
Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays: You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays.
Pension: The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Work Life Balance: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements.
Season Ticket Advance: After two months\’ service, you will be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work.
Childcare Vouchers: For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.
Eligibility
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. All external candidates are subject to 6 months\’ probation.
Salary and Hours
National – £29,432. The salary figures quoted are for a 37-hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance.
You will work an average of 37 hours per week, and this will include working night shifts, evenings, weekends, and Bank/Public holidays on a rolling shift pattern.
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10441 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill (Prison Support Role) employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 10441 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with the job during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff at HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on upcoming vacancies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face in the role, like handling difficult situations or ensuring safety. Practising your responses will make you feel more confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, so keep checking back regularly!
We think you need these skills to ace 10441 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Hollesley Bay and HMP Warren Hill (Prison Support Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you understand what the Operational Support Grade role involves. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like gate duties and prisoner supervision. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff getting in the way!
Show Your Team Spirit: Teamwork is crucial in this role, so highlight any experiences where you've worked well with others. Whether it's in a job or a volunteer position, let us know how you contribute to a team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like gate duties, searches, and monitoring CCTV. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Transport Considerations
Since some prison locations are rural, think about your transport options before the interview. If you have a driving licence and your own transport, mention it! It shows you're proactive and can manage your commute effectively, which is crucial for fixed shift times.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is essential in this role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've worked well in a team, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to collaborate and contribute positively to the prison environment.
✨Understand the Importance of Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the national and local policies related to prison operations. Be ready to discuss how you would respond to incidents or emergencies, as this shows your understanding of the seriousness of the role and your commitment to safety.
