At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily prison operations, including security, deliveries, and monitoring activities.
- Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team, gain unique experience, and kickstart your career in public service.
- Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just bring good communication skills and a calm demeanor.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, including nights and weekends, with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 32100 £ per year.
Operational Support Grade
HMP Stocken
£27,840
His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.
An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you.
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 escort vehicles across the prison grounds .
Someone like you
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.
An extraordinary job
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.
Prison Support employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Support
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and the various roles within it can help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your communication skills in conversations with potential colleagues or during networking events. Being able to convey information clearly is crucial in a fast-paced environment like a prison.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenarios that may arise in the role, such as managing stressful situations or working as part of a team. Practicing these skills can give you confidence and show your readiness for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Be open to discussing your flexibility regarding shift patterns. Emphasizing your willingness to work weekends and nights can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take some time to thoroughly read the job description for the Operational Support Grade position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as good communication and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasize any previous roles that involved teamwork, security, or customer service, even if they were not in a prison setting.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the unique opportunity it presents. Mention why you are interested in working in a prison environment and how your skills make you a suitable candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
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. Practice answering questions in a calm and concise manner.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Highlight your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you have collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as being a great team player is essential for this position.
✨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 past experiences where you maintained composure.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarize yourself with the day-to-day tasks of an Operational Support Grade. Show that you understand the importance of security, monitoring, and supporting the prison environment during the interview.