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- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, from security checks to managing deliveries and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, dedicated to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique role that supports public safety and prison operations.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and calmness under pressure are key.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression within the prison service.
The predicted salary is between 27840 - 39000 £ per year.
Prison Support Role
HMP Isle of Wight
£27,840
His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of a busy prison. You will be part of a supportive team doing all sorts of things – from security and searches at the gate, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. It’s a varied and active job involving tasks which combine some desk duties with more physical tasks such as lifting, carrying and walking to accompany vehicles across the prison grounds.
Someone like you
You don’t need any qualifications to do this job, but if you are a good communicator and can keep calm under pressure, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career for you.
Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely you will have good judgement and common sense, and, above all, be a great team player.
As an OSG, you will work a variety of shifts, including weekend and night shifts, to keep things running.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to protect the public and make an impact on lives by supporting the important work happening daily in our prisons.
Unlike our prison officers, your contact with prisoners is limited, although depending on the particular prison you may interact with prisoners occasionally.
The OSG role will give you significant knowledge and experience of how a prison operates. It can provide opportunities to move into other prison jobs, including opportunities to apply for the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.
What you can expect from us:
You’ll be given great training and opportunities for progression and development.
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-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
If this sounds like you, apply now.
Locations
Operational Support Grade employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support Grade
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with the daily operations and challenges faced in a prison setting. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since being a good communicator is key for this role, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you stay calm under pressure and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Operational Support Grades! They can provide valuable insights into the job and share tips on how to excel in the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider knowledge about the team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to prepare for the next steps in the hiring process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and what makes you a great fit.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your skills that match the job description. Focus on your communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure – these are key for the Operational Support Grade role!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your sentences short and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right 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 an Operational Support Grade does. Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks, from security checks to managing deliveries. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a key part of the team, being a good communicator is essential. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations. Think about times when you had to keep calm under pressure and how you handled those moments.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This job is all about teamwork. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, highlighting how you contribute to group success. Mention any specific instances where you supported colleagues or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Since the role involves various shifts, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work weekends and nights. Show that you understand the demands of the job and are ready to adapt your schedule to meet them.