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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring safety and security.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a vital public service role.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to quality service.
The predicted salary is between 29432 - 29432 £ per year.
As an Operational Support Grade, you will look after the day-to-day running of a busy prison, working in a close-knit team to carry out a range of support services – everything from patrol and gate duties, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. You will work shifts and nights to keep things running.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated pro-rata)
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to Work scheme
- 20% unsocial working allowance included in salary
Salary: £29,432 for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance to reflect the requirement to work nights, evenings and weekend shifts.
Hours: You will work an average of 37 hours per week, which will include night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays. These days are added to your holiday allowance. You will work on a rolling shift pattern. Frequency of night shifts will vary by establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Responsibilities, activities and duties are likely to include:
- Gate/portal duties: ensure secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; conduct searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios.
- Control room: operate radio system and monitor CCTV, reporting suspicious activities.
- Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on arrival, escort them if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail and report illicit or contraband items, preserving evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
- Reception: support reception tasks; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for property process; search/x‑ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items and check seals intact.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners as required; undertake prisoner clothing/property exchange and assist officers with free‑flow movement.
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection, may involve electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and escorts to destination; collect mail from local sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor PIN system, maintain log of PIN phone requests, complete paperwork, audit conversations, ensure legal numbers registered solicitors.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, respond to emergencies and incidents appropriately.
Success Profile
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours and experience. It is the ideal opportunity to discuss your work history or personal experiences so we can assess how you will be suited to prison work. Job holders must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English.
Operational Support Grade - HMP Lowdham Grange (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 Lowdham Grange (Prison Support Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get to the interview, you can show us that you’re not just interested in the job, but you really understand what it entails.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of interaction with staff and visitors, we recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your teamwork spirit! The prison environment relies heavily on collaboration, so think of examples from your past where you’ve worked well in a team. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate your ability to fit into our close-knit team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to prepare.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Lowdham Grange (Prison Support Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Operational Support Grade. We want to see how you can contribute to the day-to-day running of the prison, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, let us know about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles or experiences, as we value strong team players.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operational Support Grade. Familiarise yourself with tasks like gate duties, monitoring CCTV, and supervising visitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to be asked about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated skills like communication, teamwork, and managing a quality service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Show Your Understanding of Procedures
Since this role involves strict adherence to procedures and protocols, be prepared to discuss your understanding of security measures and emergency responses. Highlight any relevant experience you have in similar environments, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of prison work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, shift patterns, or training opportunities. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.