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- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, including security checks, managing deliveries, and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: Join His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, making a real difference in public safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a Civil Service pension, and access to discounts and training.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable experience and opportunities for career progression.
- Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just bring good communication skills and a calm attitude under pressure.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends and nights, with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 23800 - 31700 £ per year.
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.
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. 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
Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and the various roles within it can help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the Operational Support Grade position during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with our team. Being able to convey information clearly and effectively is crucial in this role, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully communicated in past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to remain calm under pressure. Think of specific situations where you've had to manage stress or difficult circumstances, as this will resonate well with the demands of the job and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the work environment, which can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in becoming part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, such as security checks, managing deliveries, and monitoring CCTV.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and teamwork experience. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly demonstrated in your CV and cover letter.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific requirements of the Operational Support Grade position. Include any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly related, that showcases your ability to handle physical tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your enthusiasm for contributing to the safety and smooth operation of the prison.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As an Operational Support Grade, effective communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and calmly, especially under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
This role requires a great team player. During the interview, share specific instances where you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
The job involves making quick decisions in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to use your judgement effectively. This could be in previous jobs or even in everyday situations where you had to assess risks and make informed choices.
✨Be Ready for Physical Tasks
Since the role includes physical duties, it’s important to show that you are fit and capable. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your physical abilities, such as previous jobs or activities that required lifting, carrying, or being active.
