At a Glance
- 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 the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, retail discounts, and paid apprenticeship 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, with potential career progression into other prison roles.
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 highpoint (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 highpoint (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 knowledge during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with current or former prison staff. Being able to convey your ability to stay calm under pressure is crucial, so share relevant experiences that showcase this trait.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field. Attend job fairs or events related to prison services where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared for shift work by demonstrating your flexibility. Mention your willingness to work weekends and nights, as this shows your commitment to the role and understanding of the demands of the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational support grade - hmp highpoint (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.
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 highlight your ability to handle physical tasks.
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. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
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 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.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The job can be fast-paced and sometimes stressful. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and provide examples of past experiences where you maintained composure in difficult circumstances.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires being a great team player. Prepare to talk about your experiences working in teams, highlighting how you contribute to group success and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Good Judgement
You’ll need to show that you can make sound decisions quickly. Think of scenarios where you had to use your judgement effectively, especially in a work or community setting, and be ready to share those stories.