At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, including security checks, visitor management, and monitoring activities.
- 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 opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique and supportive environment.
- 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 career progression.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 31200 £ 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 - HMP Bullingdon (Prison Support Role) 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 - HMP Bullingdon (Prison Support Role)
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations or interviews. Since this role requires good judgement and the ability to remain calm under pressure, sharing examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding shift patterns. The role involves working weekends and nights, so showing that you're open and adaptable to these requirements will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former prison staff if possible. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information to mention during your application process, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Bullingdon (Prison Support Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operational Support Grade position. Highlight key skills such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Focus on any previous roles that involved teamwork, security, or customer service, and ensure to include any transferable skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the Operational Support Grade position. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and how they align with the job requirements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a key part of the Operational Support Grade role, effective communication is crucial. 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.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires a strong team player. During the interview, highlight your experiences working in teams, how you contribute to group dynamics, and any specific instances where you supported your colleagues in achieving a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
The ability to make sound decisions is vital in a prison environment. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to use your judgement effectively. This could involve problem-solving or handling unexpected situations, showcasing your common sense and decision-making skills.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work
Since the role involves various shifts, including nights and weekends, be honest about your availability. Show that you understand the demands of the job and are flexible with your schedule. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and readiness to adapt.