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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a vital public service role.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a solid pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 23456 - 35000 £ 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.
Salary & Benefits
£29,432 (for a 37-hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance). 20% unsocial working allowance is already included in the salary. Benefits include:
- Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro-rated).
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.
Hours
You will work an average of 37 hours per week, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and bank/public holidays, on a rolling shift pattern. Frequency of night shifts may vary; discussed at interview.
Responsibilities
- Gate/portal duties: secure entry/exit, carry out searches, issue/collect keys/radios.
- Control room: operate radio system, monitor CCTV, report suspicious activities.
- Visits: book and process visitors, escort if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail, report contraband, preserve evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors locked, prisoners accounted for.
- Reception: support reception tasks, photograph prisoners, collate documentation, search property, check seals.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise as required, assist with clothing/property exchange, free-flow movement.
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection; may involve electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners/escort to destination; collect mail from sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor PIN system, log requests, maintain audit trail, check legal numbers.
- Procedures and protocol: understand national/local policies, invoke emergency procedures, manage incidents.
Interview & Assessment
The interview is blended, assessing behaviours and experience. Success Profile behaviours include: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service. The interview also covers your work history and personal experiences, assessing suitability for 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.
Offer Process
This is a ‘merit’ vacancy. Successful applicants are added to a merit list based on score. After all applicants complete assessment, offers are made to those with highest scores first. Merit list valid for 12 months; after that you must re-apply.
Additional Details
Unsocial working allowance: 20% already included in salary figures.
14520 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Coldingley (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 14520 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Coldingley (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities 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 and think about how your past experiences relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you're in the interview, let your passion for the role shine through. Talk about why you want to work in a prison support role and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have tips and resources available that can help you stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace 14520 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Coldingley (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 team.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, let us know about your teamwork skills! Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
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 managing visitors. This 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 both staff and prisoners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated or influenced others, especially in challenging situations. This will align well with the Success Profile behaviours they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations in a prison environment. Think about potential challenges you might face, such as managing conflicts or ensuring safety during visits, and prepare your responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Discussion
Since the job involves working shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. They may ask about your experience with night shifts or unsocial hours, so it’s good to have a clear understanding of your own schedule and any previous experiences that relate to shift work.
