At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage visit bookings and assist families of prisoners with inquiries.
- Company: Support Services Administration at HMP Bullingdon, focused on community and safety.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing essential support services.
- Why this job: Make a difference by facilitating important connections for families and friends.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 23615 - 25674 £ per year.
Overview
Support Services Administration Band 2
This is an administrative job in an establishment.
Summary
The job holder will process all visit applications and bookings in a timely and professional manner, maximizing the number of visits booked per session so that all prisoners are able to use their allocation of Visiting Orders. This is a non‑operational job with no line management responsibilities.
Responsibilities, Activities and Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Be the first point of contact for families/friends of prisoners and official visitors, including solicitors, Police, Probation etc., and responsible for informing them of all visiting procedures for the establishment.
- Receive telephone calls and e‑mails from visitors booking a time/date to visit, allowing the visit to be entered onto the booking system, sending out visiting orders and ensuring these are valid at the time of booking.
- Produce and distribute visit lists in advance of all sessions and safeguarding lists for visits, switchboard and visits centre.
- Ensure that public protection and security information is kept up to date and relevant on the booking system.
- Monitor for any alerts identified for prisoners and their visitors to ensure safety of all concerned and raise issues around underage visitors, informing security of any issues.
- Undertake initial work to arrange visits for disabled visitors and special circumstance visits e.g. bereavement.
- Provide information to outside agencies when requested, such as assisted prison visits scheme.
- Undertake other administrative tasks including:
- Provide administrative assistance in area of work.
- Maintain accurate filing system for area of work.
- Respond to queries relating to area of work, redirecting where required.
- Operate the switchboard appropriately by identifying the callers' needs, ensuring all messages are communicated to the appropriate parties.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.
Behaviours
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances
Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. The organisation welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the Flexible Working policy.
Support Services Administration (SSA): Visits Booking - HMP Bullingdon employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Bullingdon, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our Support Services Administration team. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering flexible working patterns to accommodate personal needs while ensuring a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners and their families. Join us for a rewarding career where your administrative skills will play a vital role in enhancing the visiting experience within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Services Administration (SSA): Visits Booking - HMP Bullingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in similar roles or organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the establishment and its values. Knowing what they stand for will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re keen on the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Administration (SSA): Visits Booking - HMP Bullingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, make sure to keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the Support Services Administration role. Highlight relevant experiences that show you can handle the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves being the first point of contact for visitors, it’s important to showcase your communication skills. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve effectively communicated with others.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 the Support Services Administration role. Familiarise yourself with the booking procedures and the importance of maintaining accurate records. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact for visitors, strong communication skills are essential. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play with a friend to simulate the interview environment, focusing on how you would handle inquiries from families and official visitors.
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
In this role, attention to detail is crucial, especially when processing visit applications and ensuring all information is accurate. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this skill. Highlight any administrative tasks you've handled that required precision and organisation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during your interview, such as how you would handle a difficult visitor or manage multiple bookings at once. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving abilities and commitment to providing excellent service.
