At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, from security checks to managing deliveries and monitoring CCTV.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, making a difference in public safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, training opportunities, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make an impact while gaining unique insights into prison operations and career progression.
- Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just bring good communication skills and a calm demeanour.
- Other info: Flexible shifts including weekends and nights; potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 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.
- 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 Onley (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 Onley (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 remain calm under pressure is crucial, so share any 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. Since the role involves various shifts, showing flexibility and willingness to work weekends and nights can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as adaptable.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Onley (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, communication, or physical tasks, even if they were not in a prison environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the Operational Support Grade role. 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 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 may involve stressful situations. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and provide examples of times when you've remained calm and made sound decisions in difficult circumstances.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Being a great team player is crucial for this role. Prepare to talk about your experiences working in teams, highlighting how you contribute to group success and support your colleagues.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of an Operational Support Grade. Show that you understand the importance of security, monitoring, and supporting the prison environment, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to these tasks.