At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide young people in custody, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Join HMP Werrington, a supportive environment focused on youth justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with training and a Level 4 Qualification.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 35875 - 35875 £ per year.
Location: HMP Werrington, Ash Bank Rd, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 0DX (Stoke-on-Trent, Midlands)
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39-hour week including 20% unsocial)
Employment type: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility and UK Immigration Rules. Sponsorship is not guaranteed; applicants must ensure they have the right to work in the UK.
Job Description and Responsibilities
- Ensuring the security and safety of children and young people in a custodial setting.
- Providing day‑to‑day support, interventions, and supervising safe movement around the site.
- De‑escalating situations, managing behavioural issues, and applying conflict resolution techniques.
- Collaborating with young people, their families, carers, and other professionals to agree on interventions or referrals.
- Using evidence‑based approaches to assess and address complex needs and evaluate effectiveness of actions.
- Participating in regular supervision with an experienced practitioner.
Essential Skills and Personal Qualities
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to high standards of care and service.
- Empathy and understanding of diverse backgrounds.
- Effective decision‑making abilities.
- Ability to work respectfully, balancing challenge and support.
Qualifications and Experience
- No formal qualifications are required. Candidates must demonstrate:
- At least 18 years of age at start of employment.
- Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Pass a medical and fitness assessment (physically active job).
- Meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses).
- Suitable standard of hearing without the use of hearing aids.
Travel to Work
A driving licence and own transport are beneficial for rural locations but not essential, unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; applicants must ensure timely arrival.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or valid application for EUSS (before 31 Dec 2020)
- Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service
Pay and Working Hours
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39, or 41 hours a week. The annual salary reflects weekly hours.
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures include any additional allowances applicable to the role/location.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loans, and other benefits
Additional Information
Each role will involve a 12‑month probationary period followed by the opportunity to undertake a Level 4 Qualification focused on working with children and young people in custody. As a civil service employee, you must have the right to live and work in the UK and meet the Criminal Records Act disclosure and barring security check requirements.
Prison Officer - HMP Werrington employer: Ministry of Justice
HMP Werrington is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment dedicated to the rehabilitation of young people in custody. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to employee development through training and qualifications, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. The inclusive culture fosters collaboration and respect, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in youth justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - HMP Werrington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what a Youth Justice Worker does and how it differs from a prison officer. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Youth Justice Workers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about job openings before they go public.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on demonstrating your communication skills and empathy, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - HMP Werrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Youth Justice Worker role. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective to support children and young people in custody.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse backgrounds. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated or resolved conflicts in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experiences:Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, we’re interested in your life experiences. Talk about any relevant work, volunteer roles, or personal experiences that showcase your empathy and understanding of young people's needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Youth Justice Worker. Understand the importance of security and safety for children in custody, and be ready to discuss how you would handle various situations, such as de-escalating conflicts or collaborating with families.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your strong communication and influencing skills during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed behavioural issues or made effective decisions, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of diverse backgrounds and how empathy plays a role in your approach. Share specific instances where you've shown compassion and support, especially in challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process or how success is measured in the role.
