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- Tasks: Support and manage individuals in a unique prison environment, ensuring safety and rehabilitation.
- Company: Join the HM Prison and Probation Service, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: This role is open to female applicants only, promoting equality in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 38500 £ per year.
Prison Officer – HMP Askham Grange and HMP New Hall
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: York
Region: North East
Vacancy type: Merit
Equality & Inclusion
This vacancy is open to female applicants only as an occupational requirement exception under Sch 9 of the Equality Act 2010. This post is not open to male applicants.
Visa Sponsorship
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.
Role Overview
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Assessment & Selection Process
During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form. You will be invited to complete stage 1 of the online test, to see if you have the basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass, we will invite you to complete stage 2 of the online tests, which is a task-based assessment. If you pass the online tests, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC). You will then be invited to provide a written response to three behaviour-based questions. We will explore your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prisons and why you are interested in the role. Once you’ve successfully completed the online assessment centre and written responses and we’ve offered you a role, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
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.
- Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
Salary & Working Hours
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 = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances that are applicable to the role/location. The standard working week of a prison officer 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 one 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 Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade OSG. If following attendance at your OAC, you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG. Operational support grade – Ministry of Justice. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see The Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable Adjustment Support
Applying for reasonable adjustment support. Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need it.
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202510: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange and HMP New Hall employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202510: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange and HMP New Hall
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a prison officer. Research what it’s like to work in a women’s prison and think about how your experiences align with the job. This will help you stand out during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! They can be tricky, so take some time to brush up on your judgement and numerical skills. There are plenty of resources out there, and we recommend checking them out before you dive in.
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be yourself! Show your passion for the role and how you can contribute to a positive environment. Remember, they’re looking for genuine candidates who care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there, making it super easy for you.
We think you need these skills to ace 202510: Prison Officer - HMP Askham Grange and HMP New Hall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how you connect with the role of a prison officer. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and motivations.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific questions asked. Highlight your understanding of the role in a women’s prison and why it matters to you. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Use your application to showcase skills like communication, decision-making, and caring. These are key traits we’re looking for, so give us examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails, especially in a women's prison. Research the specific challenges and responsibilities that come with the role at HMP Askham Grange and HMP New Hall. This will help you articulate why you're interested in the position and how you can contribute.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to answer behaviour-based questions that assess your communication, decision-making, and caring abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the focus on equality and inclusion in this role, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse workplace. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had that align with these values, and express your understanding of the importance of creating a supportive environment for all individuals.
✨Stay Calm and Confident
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to stay calm and confident. Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Remember to take deep breaths and maintain eye contact during the interview. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression!