At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, from security to managing deliveries.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service for an extraordinary career.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, training opportunities, and a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with potential for career progression into other prison roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ 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 escort vehicles across the prison grounds.
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. 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.
Applicants must hold a full, valid UK driving licence which must include the D1 Vehicle Category which allows you to drive vehicles with:
- No more than 16 passenger seats
- A maximum length of 8 metres
- A trailer up to 750kg
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. In addition to your base pay, you will receive:
- 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.
Prison Support - HMP Highpoint in Boxted employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
At His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values teamwork, personal growth, and community impact. As a Prison Support role at HMP Highpoint, you will benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for career advancement, including pathways to become a Prison Officer. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and various employee benefits, we are committed to fostering a rewarding and meaningful work environment.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Support - HMP Highpoint in Boxted
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with HMP Highpoint and its operations. Understanding the unique challenges and daily routines can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and maybe even refer you directly, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle various scenarios in a fast-paced environment. Show that you can keep calm under pressure and are a great team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HMP Highpoint.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support - HMP Highpoint in Boxted
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and what makes you a great fit.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Prison Support role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like your ability to stay calm under pressure or work well in a team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your key strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Prison Support role at HMP Highpoint. Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks, such as security checks and managing deliveries. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a key part of the team, being a good communicator is essential. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated under pressure or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to keep calm and work well with others in a busy environment.
✨Highlight Your Team Player Attitude
The role requires a great team player, so be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs or situations. Share specific instances where your teamwork made a difference, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can fit into their supportive team.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since the prison is in a rural location, think about your transport options ahead of time. If you have a driving licence, mention it during the interview, as it shows you're prepared and responsible. Also, consider how you'll manage your time to ensure you arrive punctually for your shifts.
