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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, pension scheme, retail discounts, and paid apprenticeship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining unique insights into prison operations and career progression.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; good communication and calmness under pressure are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends and nights, with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 27840 - 39000 £ per year.
Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
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 Erlestoke (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 Erlestoke (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and challenges faced by Operational Support Grades will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with recruiters. 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.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former prison staff if possible. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out as a candidate, which could give you an edge in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Erlestoke (Prison Support Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Match Your Skills: Before applying, carefully review the job description and ensure that your skills and experiences align with the requirements. Highlight your communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure in your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that specifically addresses the key responsibilities of the Operational Support Grade role. Emphasise any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly related, and showcase your teamwork abilities and judgement skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Include a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention your enthusiasm for supporting the prison's operations and your willingness to work varied shifts.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished 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 role involves communication, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
The job can be fast-paced and stressful. Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure and provide specific examples from past experiences where you maintained composure in difficult circumstances.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Being a great team player is essential for this role. Share instances where you've worked collaboratively with others, showcasing your ability to support and contribute to a team environment.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks of an Operational Support Grade. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these responsibilities, showing that you understand what the job entails.
