At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Rochester, a vital part of the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass health assessments, and meet eyesight standards.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 38003 £ per year.
Prison Officer - HMP Rochester
Location: HMP Rochester, 1 Fort Rd, Rochester ME1 3QS
Starting salary: £35,875 (39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
Vacancy type: Merit
Overview
An extraordinary job. In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day.
Assessment criteria
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
Qualifications
- be at least 18 years old at 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.
Application process
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). Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, 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.
Pay and hours
Initial training 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
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
Merit vacancy and Operational Support Grade Role
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.
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.
Recruitment principles and complaint
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\'s recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
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
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202510 : Prison Officer - HMP Rochester employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Rochester, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusion while offering a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust Civil Service pension scheme, we provide our employees with meaningful career opportunities and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of others. Join us in a role where every day brings new challenges and rewards, all within a dynamic environment dedicated to personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 202510 : Prison Officer - HMP Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role of a Prison Officer. Understand the key responsibilities and skills required, like communicating effectively and managing a quality service. This will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! They’re a crucial part of the application process. Use resources to brush up on your judgement and numerical skills so you can ace stage 1 and 2 of the assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre (OAC) by simulating the environment. Get comfortable with task-based assessments and think about how you can demonstrate your decision-making skills under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, keep an eye on the merit list; if you don’t get in this time, you can reapply after 12 months!
We think you need these skills to ace 202510 : Prison Officer - HMP Rochester
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 tailor your application to the role of a Prison Officer. Highlight your skills in communication, decision-making, and service management, as these are key criteria we’re looking for.
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down your application process, and we want to make sure you get through smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received directly by us, and you’ll find all the info you need about the process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a Prison Officer at HMP Rochester entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as communicating effectively and managing a quality service. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations that may arise in a prison environment. Practising your responses can help you articulate your decision-making process and demonstrate your ability to care for others while maintaining safety.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Prison Officer, strong communication skills are essential. During the interview, be clear and concise in your answers. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've effectively communicated and influenced others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Dress Appropriately and Be Yourself
While it's important to dress smartly for the interview, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Being authentic can help you connect with the interviewers. Just remember to keep any visible tattoos within the guidelines, as they should not be offensive or intimidating.
