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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a vital public service role.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to apprenticeships.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work shifts.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 £ per year.
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. 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
- 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 storage.
- 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.
Success Profile behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Benefits
- Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years' service (calculated on a pro-rata 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.
Salary
£29,432 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, evenings and weekend shifts.
17172 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role) in Kent employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 17172 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role) in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like working as an Operational Support Grade and might even help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to prison support roles. Think about scenarios where you had to manage stress or communicate effectively, as these skills are crucial in this line of work.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight why you’re passionate about supporting the day-to-day operations in a prison environment. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re keen on the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace 17172 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role) in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operational Support Grade. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of the prison, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, let us know about your teamwork skills! Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, as we value those who can work well with colleagues and contribute to a positive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
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 Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their close-knit environment.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Given the nature of the job, expect questions about your availability for shifts, including nights and weekends. Be honest about your flexibility and willingness to adapt to a rolling shift pattern. This shows that you’re ready for the demands of the role.
✨Understand Procedures and Protocols
Brush up on relevant national and local policies related to prison operations. Being able to discuss emergency procedures or how to handle contraband will impress the interviewers and show that you take the role seriously.