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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring security and assisting with various duties.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and access to a paid apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique role while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to safety and security.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 35000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
Hours and salary
- Hours: 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.
- Salary: £29,432 (salary figures quoted are for a 37 hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance which is included in the salary to reflect the requirement to work nights, evening and weekend shifts).
Benefits and pay
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
Selection process
At the interview we will assess you against the following Success Profile behaviours: Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service. The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours and experience. The interview is the ideal opportunity to tell us more about yourself, your work history or personal experiences, so we can get to know you better and assess how you will be suited to prison work. The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
For more information please visit our website: www.prisonsupportroles.co.uk
Job offers and timelines
This is a ‘merit’ job vacancy. If you are successful at the interview you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment, the prison will make job offers to those with the highest scores first when positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this, you’ll need to apply again.
Allowance details
In addition you will receive 20% unsocial working allowance. This has been included in the salary figures quoted.
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10313 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Styal (Prison Support Role) employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 10313 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Styal (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. 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 and think about how your past experiences relate to the job. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, let them know why you want to work in a prison support role. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to maintaining safety and security.
✨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 serious about joining the team at HMP Styal.
We think you need these skills to ace 10313 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Styal (Prison Support Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operational Support Grade. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of the prison, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand why you’re a great fit for the role.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for the role shine through in your application. We love candidates who are excited about the opportunity to work in a challenging environment like a prison. Share what motivates you to apply and how you can make a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨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 knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of interaction with staff, visitors, and prisoners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your ability to manage a quality service, which is key for this position.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Questions
Given that the job requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Think about how you can manage your time and commitments around these shifts, and express your willingness to adapt to the demands of the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will assess your behaviours, so practice answering behavioural questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adherence to protocols, as these are essential for success in a prison environment.