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- Tasks: Support the daily operations of a busy prison with a close-knit team.
- Company: Join HMP Deerbolt, a vital part of the justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to service excellence.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 35000 £ 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.
Salary & Benefits
£29,432 (for a 37‑hour working week inclusive of 20% unsocial hours working allowance). 20% unsocial working allowance is already included in the salary. Benefits include:
- Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rated).
- 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- 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, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and bank/public holidays, on a rolling shift pattern. Frequency of night shifts may vary; discussed at interview.
Responsibilities
- Gate/portal duties: secure entry/exit, carry out searches, issue/collect keys/radios.
- Control room: operate radio system, monitor CCTV, report suspicious activities.
- Visits: book and process visitors, escort if required.
- Censors/correspondence: monitor/log mail, report contraband, preserve evidence.
- Night duties: ensure cell doors locked, prisoners accounted for.
- Reception: support reception tasks, photograph prisoners, collate documentation, search property, check seals.
- Prisoner supervision: supervise as required, assist with clothing/property exchange, free‑flow movement.
- Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection; may involve electric tug vehicle.
- Driving duties: transport prisoners/escort to destination; collect mail from sorting office.
- Phone calls: monitor PIN system, log requests, maintain audit trail, check legal numbers.
- Procedures and protocol: understand national/local policies, invoke emergency procedures, manage incidents.
Interview & Assessment
The interview is blended, assessing behaviours and experience. Success Profile behaviours include: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service. The interview also covers your work history and personal experiences, assessing suitability for prison work. The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or, when specified in Wales, Welsh.
Offer Process
This is a ‘merit’ vacancy. Successful applicants are added to a merit list based on score. After all applicants complete assessment, offers are made to those with highest scores first. Merit list valid for 12 months; after that you must re‑apply.
Additional Details
Unsocial working allowance: 20% already included in salary figures.
14562 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Deerbolt (Prison Support Role) in Startforth employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 14562 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Deerbolt (Prison Support Role) in Startforth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks of an Operational Support Grade. This way, when you get to the interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves a lot of interaction, think about examples from your past where you've effectively communicated or influenced others. We want to hear those stories during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for situational questions! The interview will assess how you handle various scenarios. Think about times you've managed a quality service or dealt with challenging situations, and be prepared to share those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace 14562 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Deerbolt (Prison Support Role) in Startforth
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 make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand why you’re a great fit for the team.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working in a close-knit team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the past, as we value teamwork highly at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on making your application shine.
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 Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of interaction with both staff and visitors, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you effectively communicated or influenced others, especially in challenging situations. This will align well with the Success Profile behaviours they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural questions that assess how you've handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For instance, think about a time you managed a quality service or dealt with a difficult situation, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the Shift Patterns
Since this role involves working shifts, including nights and weekends, be ready to discuss your availability and adaptability. Show that you’re flexible and willing to commit to the demands of the job. This will reassure the interviewers that you’re prepared for the realities of prison support work.
