At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison with varied responsibilities.
- Company: His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, dedicated to public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a Civil Service pension.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a paid apprenticeship available.
- 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 29432 - 41304 £ 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.
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 Erlestoke 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 development, and community impact. Working at HMP Erlestoke offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety while enjoying comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that encourages career progression. With access to various employee benefits, including a Civil Service pension scheme and retail discounts, you will find a rewarding and meaningful career path in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Support - HMP Erlestoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks and responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! In a fast-paced environment like a prison, things can change quickly. Think of examples from your past where you’ve had to stay calm under pressure and be ready to share them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support - HMP Erlestoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Prison Support role. Highlight your communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure, as these are key traits we’re looking for in a great team player.
Show Your Enthusiasm:Express your passion for the role and the impact you want to make. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to support the important work happening in our prisons.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
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 answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a good communicator, you'll need to demonstrate this during the interview. Practice clear and concise answers to common questions, and think of examples where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to keep calm under pressure, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is essential in this job. Prepare to discuss your experiences working in teams, how you contribute to group dynamics, and any instances where you've supported colleagues. This will show that you can collaborate effectively in a busy prison environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and common sense. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as dealing with difficult visitors or responding to emergencies. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
