At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the prison support team and engage in a variety of physical tasks.
- Company: HMP Guys Marsh, a supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a difference while gaining valuable experience in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring good judgement and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 29000 £ per year.
Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working. Location: Yeovil/Salisbury. This role is part of the prison support team and involves a wide range of physical tasks, including lifting, walking, standing for long periods and lone working on day and night shifts. You will receive full training and support from the team.
Responsibilities
- Ensuring secure entry and exit of staff, visitors and vehicles.
- Carrying out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles.
- Walking around the prison site to escort vehicles and contractors.
- Issuing and collecting staff keys and radios.
- Walking around the prison site patrolling and searching perimeter fence areas.
Control room
- Operating the prison radio system.
- Monitoring CCTV and reporting suspicious activities.
Visits
- Welcoming visitors on arrival and escorting them if required.
- Monitoring and logging mail coming into the prison.
- Reporting contraband items and preserving evidence.
- Ensuring cell doors are locked and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
Reception
- Photographing prisoners.
- Processing prisoners’ property and parcels.
- Supervising prisoners when required.
- Exchanging clothing and property.
- Assisting prison officers escorting prisoners.
- Walking around the prison delivering and collecting food trolleys or using an electric tug vehicle.
Driving duties
- Collecting mail from the local sorting office, which may involve lifting heavy sacks.
- Monitoring the prison’s Personal Identification Number phone system.
- Maintaining the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners.
Procedures and protocol
- Understanding and conforming to national and local policies, responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
Qualifications
- No formal qualifications are required. Key qualities include good judgement, common sense, responsibility and teamwork.
Pay and Benefits
- The salary figures quoted are for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of a 20% unsocial hours allowance.
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rata).
- 9 bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- Access to the 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, which includes night shifts, evenings, weekends and bank/public holidays on a rolling shift pattern. Shift dates and times vary by establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Equality and Accessibility
- We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. All candidates are welcome to apply; support for reasonable adjustments is available.
Operational Support Grade – Fixed Term – HMP Guys Marsh (Prison Support Role) in Salisbury employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Guys Marsh, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our Operational Support Grade team. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and responsibility. Our location in Yeovil/Salisbury provides unique opportunities for personal growth while ensuring a rewarding career in a vital public service role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Support Grade – Fixed Term – HMP Guys Marsh (Prison Support Role) in Salisbury
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade – Fixed Term – HMP Guys Marsh (Prison Support Role) in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
