At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison, ensuring security and safety.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a vital public service role.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a paid apprenticeship available.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a challenging environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work shifts.
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 is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rated).
- 9 days of 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.
Hours
You will work an average of 37 hours per week and this will include working night shifts, evenings, weekends and bank/public holidays (these days are added to your holiday allowance) on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts will vary for each establishment and can be discussed at interview. The salary figures quoted are for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance, which is included in the salary to reflect the requirement to work nights, evening and weekend shifts.
Responsibilities
- Gate/portal duties: ensure the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios.
- Control room: operate the establishment radio system and monitor CCTV, ensuring all suspicious activities are reported.
- Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on their arrival, escort them if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail and report any illicit or contraband items, maintaining the preservation of evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
- Reception: assist in supporting appropriate tasks in reception; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for the property process; search/x‑ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items for prisoners and check all seals are intact on property storage.
- 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, which may involve the use of an electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners and their escort to their destination in the cellular vehicle; collect mail from local sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system, maintaining the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners; complete all relevant paperwork keeping an audit trail of conversations; check that legal numbers are registered solicitors.
- Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies, responding appropriately to invoke emergency procedures and the actions required in relation to incidents.
Success Profile Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours and experience. The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
Selection Process
Job offers are made on a merit basis. If you are successful at the interview you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment, the prison will make job offers to those with the highest scores first when positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months; after this you’ll need to apply again.
Allowance Details
In addition you will receive a 20% unsocial working allowance. This has been included in the salary figures quoted.
16732 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Ranby (Prison Support Role) in Retford employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Ranby, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and communication are key. With generous benefits including a Civil Service pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional development through paid apprenticeships, we are committed to fostering employee growth and well-being in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 16732 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Ranby (Prison Support Role) in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This way, when you get to the interview, you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage quality service, as these are key behaviours they’re after.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and appropriate for the setting. A smart appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Not only does it streamline the process, but it also shows your commitment to the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our platform!
We think you need these skills to ace 16732 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Ranby (Prison Support Role) in Retford
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 explanations. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key points stand out!
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 previous roles, as we value strong communication and collaboration.
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 managing deliveries. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their close-knit team.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that assess your communication skills and ability to manage quality service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Think of specific instances where you’ve had to influence others or maintain high standards in challenging circumstances.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training provided for new recruits or how the team handles emergencies. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you.
