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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage the safety and rehabilitation of women in a unique prison environment.
- Company: HMP Drake Hall, a progressive women's prison in Stafford.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £35,875, 25 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be at least 18, pass medical and fitness assessments.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 38500 £ per year.
HMP Drake Hall, Eccleshall, Stafford ST21 6LQ
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Stafford
Region: West Midlands
Vacancy type: Merit
Equality and Eligibility
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. This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visa in accordance with the current immigration rules.
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 Criteria
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a quality service
- Making effective decisions
- Caring
How to Apply
- Complete the initial application form.
- You will be invited to complete an online test to assess basic judgment and numerical skills.
- If you pass the online test, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC).
- At the OAC you will provide written responses to three behaviour‑based questions, exploring your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prison and why you are interested in the position.
- Upon successful completion of the online assessment centre and written responses and upon being offered a role, you will be invited to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
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
- Tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, but must not be deemed offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
Pay and 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 will 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 by 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 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm).
Diversity & Inclusion
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Drake Hall in Eccleshall employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Drake Hall in Eccleshall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what being a Prison Officer at HMP Drake Hall really involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during the online assessment centre.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! Brush up on your basic judgment and numerical skills. There are loads of resources out there, so don’t just wing it – prepare yourself to ace that test!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get to the online assessment centre, be ready to showcase your communication skills. Think about real-life examples where you've influenced others or made effective decisions – they love that stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Drake Hall in Eccleshall
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 can bring your unique experiences to the role of a Prison Officer.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to tailor your written responses to the specific questions asked. Highlight your understanding of the prison officer role in a women’s prison and why you're passionate about it. This is your chance to show us what makes you a great fit!
Showcase Relevant Skills: Use the assessment criteria as a guide to showcase your skills. Whether it's communicating, managing a quality service, or making effective decisions, give us examples from your past that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process!
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 at HMP Drake Hall entails. Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and responsibilities of working in a women's prison. This will help you articulate why you're interested in the position and how your skills align with the role.
✨Prepare for Behaviour-Based Questions
During the online assessment centre, you'll face behaviour-based questions. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, manage a quality service, and make sound decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Caring Side
As a Prison Officer, caring for the well-being of inmates is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. Highlight any relevant experience you have in caring roles or environments where compassion was key.
✨Stay Calm and Confident
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to stay calm and confident. Practice deep breathing techniques before your interview to help manage anxiety. Remember, the interviewers want to see your true self, so be authentic and let your passion for the role shine through.
