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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 an extraordinary 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 unique 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 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
HMP Swaleside £29,432 His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
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 (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.
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 Role (Hiring Immediately) in Kent 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 Role (Hiring Immediately) in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with the layout and operations of HMP Swaleside. This will not only help you feel more confident during your interview but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since being a good communicator is key for this role, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you stay calm under pressure and demonstrate your ability to handle various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Think of examples from past experiences where you've worked well in a team. Be ready to share these during your interview to highlight your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about landing this extraordinary job.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support Role (Hiring Immediately) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Prison Support Role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role is all about teamwork, make sure to mention any previous experiences where you’ve worked well with others. We’re looking for great team players who can support each other in a busy environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 Prison Support Role. Familiarise yourself with tasks like security checks, managing deliveries, and supervising visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in 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 successfully communicated in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the fast-paced environment of a prison.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Being a great team player is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've worked effectively within a team, especially in high-pressure scenarios. Sharing these stories will illustrate your collaborative nature and how you can contribute to a supportive team dynamic.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since some prisons are in rural areas with limited transport, it's wise to plan how you'll get to work on time. If you have a driving licence, mention it during the interview, as it shows you're prepared and responsible. Being punctual is key in this role, so make sure you have a solid plan!
