At a Glance
- 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: Competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to safety.
The predicted salary is between 35483 - 35483 € 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.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Annual salary: £35,483 for a 37‑hour week, inclusive of a 20 % unsocial hours allowance.
- Pay is payable gross (excluding superannuation).
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rata).
- You will also receive 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- Season ticket loans.
- Retail discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
Hours & Shifts
You will work an average of 37 hours per week, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and bank/public holidays (which are added to your holiday allowance) on a rolling shift pattern. Night shift frequency varies by establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Responsibilities
- Gate/portal duties: secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; carry out searches and issue/collect staff keys and radios.
- Control room: operate establishment radio system and monitor CCTV, reporting suspicious activities.
- Visits: book visits, identify and process visitors, escort them if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail, report illicit or contraband items, preserve evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are secure and prisoners are accounted for.
- Reception: assist with tasks, photograph prisoners, collate documentation, search incoming prisoner property and parcels, receive items and check seals.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners, manage clothing/property exchange and assist officers with free‑flow movement.
- Food delivery: deliver and collect food trolleys, may involve use of electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and escorts to destinations in the cellular vehicle; collect mail from local sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor PIN system, log PIN phone requests, maintain audit trail, ensure legal numbers are registered.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national/local policies, invoke emergency procedures and actions related to incidents.
Success Profile & Assessment
- Communicating and Influencing.
- Managing a Quality Service.
Qualifications & Requirements
Confidence in spoken English (and Welsh if specified in Wales). Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role.
16745 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Pentonville (Prison Support Role) employer: Ministry of Justice
As an Operational Support Grade at HMP Pentonville, you will join a dedicated team committed to maintaining safety and order in a dynamic environment. The role offers competitive remuneration, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development through training opportunities like a paid Level 2 apprenticeship. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and community, this position not only provides meaningful work but also the chance to grow within the Civil Service framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 16745 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Pentonville (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HMP Pentonville on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face in the role, like handling difficult visitors or managing emergencies. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, express why you want to work in prison support. Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the team at HMP Pentonville.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace 16745 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Pentonville (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 a busy prison, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've got experience in security, customer service, or any similar roles, make it shine! We love seeing how your background can help us maintain a safe and efficient environment at HMP Pentonville.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
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, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
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.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with staff, visitors, and prisoners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Practice clear and concise responses to common interview questions, and be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult situations or conflicts.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Be ready to discuss your availability for shifts, including nights and weekends. Employers want to know that you can handle the demands of the job. Share any previous experience with shift work and how you manage your time effectively.
✨Understand Security Protocols
Familiarise yourself with basic security protocols relevant to a prison environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would respond to emergencies or suspicious activities. This shows that you take the role seriously and are aware of the importance of safety and security.
