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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison with varied responsibilities.
- Company: Join His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service for a unique career.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and teamwork skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a paid apprenticeship in customer service.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 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. Driving duties are an essential part of the OSG role at HMP Isle of Wight and therefore candidates are required to hold a full, valid UK Driving Licence.
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 Isle of Wight in Cowes 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 Prison Support - HMP Isle of Wight in Cowes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks and responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff at HMP Isle of Wight on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since being a good communicator is key for this role, try role-playing common scenarios you might face. This will help you stay calm under pressure and demonstrate your skills during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support - HMP Isle of Wight in Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and its requirements, so take note of any specific skills or experiences they mention.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to highlight how their skills match the job. Use examples from your past experiences that show you can handle the tasks mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Operational Support Grade role. Familiarise yourself with tasks like security checks, managing deliveries, and supervising visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a good communicator, you'll need to convey your ability to stay calm under pressure. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the fast-paced environment of a prison.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. Share these stories during your interview to show that you can contribute positively to the supportive team at HMP Isle of Wight.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Since the job involves both desk duties and physical tasks, be ready to discuss how you handle varied responsibilities. You might even want to practice answering situational questions that could arise during the interview, such as how you'd manage a delivery or respond to a security concern.