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, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to quality service.
The predicted salary is between 33411 - 33411 € 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 and Benefits
£33,411 per annum for a 37-hour working week inclusive of a 20% unsocial hours working allowance. In addition to base pay you will receive:
- 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.
Working Hours
You will work an average of 37 hours per week, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays (these are added to your holiday allowance). The frequency of night shifts will vary for each establishment and can be discussed at interview.
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 and 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 and 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 escorts 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 with solicitors.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, respond appropriately to invoke emergency procedures and the actions required in relation to incidents.
Success Profile Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Eligibility
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or Welsh (when specified in Wales).
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer.
17753 Operational Support Grade - HMP Belmarsh Nights (Prison Support Role) employer: Ministry of Justice
As an Operational Support Grade at HMP Belmarsh, you will be part of a dedicated team ensuring the smooth operation of a busy prison environment. The role offers competitive pay, generous annual leave, and access to a comprehensive benefits package including a Civil Service pension scheme and opportunities for professional development through apprenticeships. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a supportive work culture, HMP Belmarsh is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 17753 Operational Support Grade - HMP Belmarsh Nights (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 that interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips about the role and the work environment, which can really help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to prison support roles. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated key skills like communication and managing a quality service, and be ready to share those examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace 17753 Operational Support Grade - HMP Belmarsh Nights (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 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 see 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 we value those who can work well with colleagues and contribute to a positive environment.
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 navigate, so go ahead and get that application in!
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 deliveries. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, be prepared to discuss your experience in teamwork. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your ability to communicate and influence will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, such as dealing with a difficult visitor or responding to an emergency. Practise your responses by thinking through potential scenarios related to prison support roles, and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Importance of Procedures
Familiarise yourself with national and local policies relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance with these procedures, especially in relation to security and safety. Showing that you take protocols seriously will reflect well on your suitability for the position.
