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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison with a close-knit team.
- Company: Join a vital public service in a secure and structured environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference while gaining valuable experience in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a willingness to learn and adapt.
- Other info: Flexible shifts including nights and weekends, with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 35000 £ per year.
CTC is required. As an Operational Support Grade, you will look after the day‑to‑day running of a busy prison, working in a close‑knit team to carry out a range of support services – everything from patrol and gate duties, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. You will work shifts and nights to keep things running.
In addition to your base pay, you will receive:
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated on a pro‑ratio basis)
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
- Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
- Access to the generous Civil Service pension scheme
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme
The salary figures quoted are for a 37 hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance which is included in the salary to reflect the requirement to work nights, evening and weekend shifts.
Hours: You will work an average of 37 hours per week and this will include working night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays (these days are added to your holiday allowance) on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts will vary for each Establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Responsibilities, activities and duties are likely to include:
- Gate/portal duties: ensure the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios
- Control room: operate the establishment radio system and monitor CCTV ensuring all suspicious activities are reported
- Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on their arrival, escort them if required
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail and report any illicit or contraband items, maintaining the preservation of evidence
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure and all prisoners are safely accounted for
- Reception: assist in supporting appropriate tasks in reception; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for the property process; search/x‑ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items for prisoners and check all seals are intact on property
- Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners as required; undertake prisoner clothing/property exchange and assist officers with free flow movement
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection, which may involve the use of an electric tug vehicle
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and their escort to their destination in the cellular vehicle; collect mail from local sorting office
- Phone calls: monitor the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system, maintaining the log of PIN Phone requests from prisoners; complete all relevant paperwork keeping an audit trail of conversations; check that legal numbers are registered
- Solicitors procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, responding appropriately to invoke emergency procedures and the actions required in relation to incidents
At the interview we will assess you against the following Success Profile behaviours - Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service. The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours and experience. The interview is the ideal opportunity to tell us more about yourself, your work history or personal experiences, so we can get to know you better and assess how you will be suited to prison work.
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Job offers: ‘merit’ vacancy. This is a ‘merit’ job vacancy. If you are successful at the interview you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment, the prison will make job offers to those 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.
Allowance Details: In addition you will receive 20% unsocial working allowance. This has been included in the salary figures quoted.
11558 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Long Lartin (Prison Support Role) in Evesham employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 11558 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Long Lartin (Prison Support Role) in Evesham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get to the interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with a team and interacting with visitors, being able to communicate clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about times when you've managed a quality service or influenced others positively. These examples will help you shine during the interview and show how you're a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
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 role and the application process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace 11558 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Long Lartin (Prison Support Role) in Evesham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We want to see your skills and experiences without any fluff. Make sure you highlight relevant experiences that relate to the role of Operational Support Grade.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take a moment to tailor your responses to the specific duties mentioned in the job description. Show us how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, let us know about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, especially in challenging situations.
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is super important in this role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like gate duties, monitoring CCTV, and supervising visitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of interaction with staff, visitors, and prisoners, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated or influenced others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Questions
Given that this position requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility. Think about how you can manage your time and commitments around these shifts, and express your willingness to adapt to the demands of the job.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will assess you against specific behaviours like 'Communicating and Influencing' and 'Managing a Quality Service'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing clear examples that highlight your skills and experiences relevant to these behaviours.