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- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, from security checks to managing deliveries and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, retail discounts, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just be a good communicator and team player.
- Other info: Flexible shifts including weekends and nights, with potential career progression.
The predicted salary is between 27840 - 39000 £ 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.
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Support Role
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and the various roles within it can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with recruiters or during networking events. Being able to convey your thoughts clearly and effectively is crucial in a role that requires teamwork and interaction with various stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during interviews. Think about how you would handle stressful situations or conflicts, as this role demands calmness under pressure and good judgement.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former employees in similar roles through social media platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the job and the application process, which can give you an edge when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Prison Support Role. Highlight key skills such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Focus on any previous roles that involved teamwork, security, or customer service, even if they were not in a prison setting.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and explains why you would be a great fit. Mention your ability to handle physical tasks and your commitment to supporting the safety and smooth operation of the prison.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Prison Support Role requires good communication, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully communicated in challenging situations.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
This role can be fast-paced and demanding. During the interview, share instances where you maintained composure in stressful environments. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you handle unexpected challenges.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is crucial for this position. Discuss your experiences working in teams, focusing on how you contributed to group success and supported your colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
The role involves making decisions that affect safety and security. Be ready to discuss scenarios where you had to use your judgement effectively. This could include examples of assessing risks or making quick decisions in a previous job.