Operational Support Grade - HMP Aylesbury (Prison Support Role)

As part of our prison support team, your work will be varied and help to keep the prison moving. This is an active role where you will be doing a range of physical tasks. These can include lifting and carrying, plus long periods of standing and walking. There will also be periods of lone working whilst undertaking tasks on both day and night shifts. You will not always be in contact with prisoners, it depends on the prison you work in. You will have full training and a supportive team by your side. The role does not require qualification.

Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles.
• Carrying out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles.
• Walking around the prison site to escort vehicles and contractors.
• Issuing and collecting staff keys and radios.
• Patrolling and searching perimeter fence areas.
• Operating the prison radio system.
• Monitoring CCTV and reporting suspicious activities.
• Welcoming visitors on arrival and escorting them as needed.
• Monitoring and logging mail coming into the prison.
• Reporting any contraband items and preserving evidence.
• Ensuring cell doors are locked and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
• Photographing prisoners and processing their property and parcels.
• Supervising prisoners when needed, exchanging clothing and property.
• Assisting prison officers in escorting prisoners around the prison and delivering and collecting food trollies or using an electric tug vehicle.
• Collecting mail from the local sorting office.
• Monitoring the prison’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) phone system and maintaining the log of PIN phone requests.
• Understanding and conforming to national and local policies, responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

Hours & Shift Pattern:

You will work an average of 37 hours per week, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts may vary by establishment.

Salary & Benefits:

The salary figures quoted are for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of a 20% unsocial hours working allowance. In addition to your base pay, you will receive the following benefits:

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rata).
• 9 days Bank, public and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
• Access to the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Good judgement, common sense, responsibility and teamwork. Ability to meet spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English (or Welsh if specified in Wales).

Equality & Accessibility:

As a Disability Confident employer, the Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring everyone can demonstrate their skills, talents and abilities. Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates with disabilities.