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- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, from security checks to managing deliveries and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service for a unique career opportunity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, training, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a paid apprenticeship in customer service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and teamwork skills are essential.
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.
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 role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the daily tasks of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since being a good communicator is key in this role, try role-playing common scenarios you might face. This will help you stay calm under pressure and demonstrate your ability to handle various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff! Reach out on LinkedIn or through local community groups. They can provide insider tips and maybe even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us at StudySmarter.
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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like security checks, managing deliveries, and supervising visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a good communicator, you'll need to convey your ability to stay calm under pressure. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. This will highlight your suitability for the fast-paced environment of a prison.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is crucial in this role. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. Share these stories during your interview to show that you can contribute positively to the supportive team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Since the role involves various shifts, be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work weekends and nights. Show that you're committed to keeping the prison running smoothly, regardless of the hours required.