At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure the safety and support of young people in a custodial setting.
- Company: Join HMP Wetherby, a key player in youth justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to high standards required.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Date: 10-Jun-2026
Location: Wetherby
Job ID: 16935
Address: HMP Wetherby, York Rd, Wetherby LS22 5ED
Starting salary: £35,875 (39 hour week inc. 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Harrogate
Region: North East
Responsibilities
- All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
- The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
- In this role you will be responsible for ensuring the security and safety of children and young people while providing day to day support in a custodial setting.
- You will handle interventions when required, oversee and facilitate safe movement around the site, provide supervision to ensure safety, de-escape situations, manage behavioural issues and apply conflict resolution techniques.
- You will work closely with other professionals and organisations to collectively improve outcomes.
- You will also assess and provide personalised support to children and young people, work with their families or carers to agree interventions or referrals, and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your actions and methods while reflecting with experienced practitioners.
Qualifications / Personal Qualities
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- Commitment to high standards of care and service
- Empathy and understanding
- Effective decision making abilities
- At least 18 years old at commencement
- Pass a DBS check (Disclosures and Barring Service)
- Meet Civil Service nationality and medical fitness requirements (including eyesight, hearing, fitness)
- Suitable hearing standard without hearing aids; tattoos allowed if not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating
Additional Requirements
- Must meet Civil Service nationality requirements and be able to maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK.
- Must have a valid DBS check, and pass a medical and fitness assessment including eyesight and hearing tests.
Benefits
- 25 days' annual holiday, rising to 30 days after 10 years' service
- Paid time off for public holidays and an additional privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Pay
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 per year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 per year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 per year
Sponsorship
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available for this role, subject to eligibility and in accordance with the UK Immigration Rules. Sponsorship is not guaranteed; applicants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate Right to Work in the UK.
Nationality Requirements
Open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK, nationals of EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with settled or pre settled status, individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS on or before 31 Dec 2020, Turkish nationals and certain family members, and families with a right to work in Civil Service.
Travel to Work
Driving licence and own transport is beneficial but not essential. Shift start and finish times are fixed; applicants must arrive on time.
Assessment Process
Assessment involves online tests (stage 1 and stage 2), an online assessment centre and reference checks. You will be evaluated on communication, influencing, managing quality service, effective decision making, caring and numerical, written and spoken English skills.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 10th June 2026
Prison Officer - HMP Wetherby employer: Job Search Place Limited
HMP Wetherby is an exceptional employer dedicated to the welfare of children and young people, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in a custodial setting while enjoying a balanced work-life experience. The commitment to safeguarding and collaboration with other professionals ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable youth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - HMP Wetherby
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Job Search Place Limited.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Job Search Place Limited!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Job Search Place Limited, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Job Search Place Limited or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - HMP Wetherby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Job Search Place Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Job Search Place Limited! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
