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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, influencing and caring for individuals in a secure environment.
- Company: Join HMP Chelmsford, a vital part of the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Prison officer – HMP Chelmsford
HMP Chelmsford, 200 Springfield Rd, Springfield, Chelmsford CM2 6JT
Starting salary: ÂŁ35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Chelmsford • Region: South East • Vacancy type: Merit
From 4 April 2024, the Government increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas. The change means that HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot guarantee sponsorship for those seeking sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa route. If you are applying to be a prison officer and you do not meet the new eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes. HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
An extraordinary job: in this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Responsibilities
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
Qualifications & Requirements
- be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
- for safety reasons, meet a suitable standard of hearing
- tattoo policy: tattoos are permitted if not offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating; facial tattoos are generally not acceptable except for cultural, religious, or medical reasons
- For safety reasons, a suitable standard of hearing (without hearing aids) is required during training
- To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a UK resident for the last 3 years
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form, you will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, you will be invited to stage 2 of the online tests, a task-based assessment. If you pass the online tests, you will be invited to an online assessment centre (OAC). After successful OAC completion and vacancy allocation, you will undergo a medical and fitness test, including eyesight, hearing, and a basic health screening with a blood pressure check.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week; your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours.
- 37 hours a week = ÂŁ33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = ÂŁ35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = ÂŁ38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Read more about prison officer benefits
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit job vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre, you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, the prison will make job offers to individuals 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.
Operational roles
Operational Support Grade Role: The Online Assessment Centre will determine suitability for appointment as an Operational Support Grade (OSG) if you are unsuccessful in becoming a prison officer. The Civil Service Code sets out expected standards; recruitment is by merit on fair and open competition. If you feel the process breached the principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: 0845 241 5358 or Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent from all backgrounds. See the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for details.
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick “yes” when it asks if you might need a reasonable adjustment.
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202508: Prison Officer - HMP Chelmsford employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a prison officer. Research what it’s like to work in a high-security environment and understand the responsibilities involved. This will help you during interviews and assessments, showing that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your online assessment skills! The tests can be tricky, so take some time to prepare for the judgement and numerical skills assessments. There are plenty of resources out there to help you get ready.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be yourself! They want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so stay calm and think through your responses. Show them your communication and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and tips to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace 202508: Prison Officer - HMP Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Prison Officer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a prison officer. Understand the importance of communication, decision-making, and managing a quality service. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to influence others or make tough decisions, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Understand the Environment
Research HMP Chelmsford and its unique challenges. Knowing about the prison's culture and any recent news can give you an edge. It shows you're genuinely interested and prepared to work in that specific environment.
✨Be Ready for Assessments
Since there are online tests and assessments involved, practice basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Familiarising yourself with the format can boost your confidence and help you perform better.