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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring security and safety.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at HMP Thorn Cross, making a difference every day.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital role that impacts lives and enhances community safety.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to paid apprenticeships.
The predicted salary is between 17659 - 22205 £ per year.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will look after the day-to-day running of a busy prison, working in a close-knit team to carry out a range of support services - everything from patrol and gate duties, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. You will work shifts and nights to keep things running. You will work an average of 37 hours per week and this will include working night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays (these days are added to your holiday allowance) on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts will vary for each Establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Gate/portal duties: ensure the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios.
- Control room: operate the establishment radio system and monitor CCTV ensuring all suspicious activities are reported.
- Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on their arrival, escort them if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail and report any illicit or contraband items, maintaining the preservation of evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
- Reception: assist in supporting appropriate tasks in reception; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for the property process; search/x-ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items for prisoners and check all seals are intact on property storage.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners as required; undertake prisoner clothing/property exchange and assist officers with free flow movement.
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection, which may involve the use of an electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and their escort to their destination in the cellular vehicle; collect mail from local sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system, maintaining the log of PIN Phone requests from prisoners; complete all relevant paperwork keeping an audit trail of conversations; check that legal numbers are registered solicitors.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, responding appropriately to invoke emergency procedures and the actions required in relation to incidents.
Success Profile: The interview will assess you against the following Success Profile behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service. The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English.
Benefits and salary:
- 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.
- Salary: £29,432 (for a 37 hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance).
14478 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Thorn Cross (Prison Support Role) in Appleton Thorn employer: Hmp Thorn Cross
Contact Detail:
Hmp Thorn Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 14478 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Thorn Cross (Prison Support Role) in Appleton Thorn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and duties listed in the job description. This way, when you get to the interview, you can confidently discuss how your skills match what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can communicate your experiences related to managing a quality service and influencing others effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and appropriate for the setting. A smart appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen and engaged with the process right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace 14478 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Thorn Cross (Prison Support Role) in Appleton Thorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Operational Support Grade role. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of the prison.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of interaction with staff, visitors, and prisoners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your capability in this area.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got any previous experience in security, customer service, or similar roles, make sure to mention it! We love seeing how your background can bring value to our team at HMP Thorn Cross.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hmp Thorn Cross
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like gate duties, monitoring CCTV, and supervising visitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires strong communication abilities, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past situations. Think about times when you had to influence others or manage a service quality issue. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your skills during the interview.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This job involves working closely with a team, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to a team's success or handled conflicts. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions about your availability for shifts, including nights and weekends. Be honest about your flexibility and willingness to adapt to a rolling shift pattern. Showing that you're prepared for the demands of the job will demonstrate your commitment.
