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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join the Civil Service, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and merit-based job offers.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 39000 £ per year.
HMP/YOI Portland - 104 Grove Rd, Grove, Portland DT5 1DL
HMP The Verne - Verne Common Rd, Portland DT5 1EQ
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39 hour week inc 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Weymouth
Region: South West
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
- be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- meet the Civil Service Nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes for safety reasons
- meet a suitable standard of hearing
Whilst tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons. For safety reasons, everyone training to be a prison officer needs a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids).
To work in a high security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form, you will be invited to complete an online test, to see if you have the basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass the online test, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC). Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test. This will cover an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours:
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39 hours per week shift pattern.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit job vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre, you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, the prison will make job offers to individuals 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.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC), will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade OSG. If following attendance at your OAC, you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
Operational support grade - Ministry of Justice. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of Civil Servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the principles you can raise a complaint by contacting Shared Services Connected Ltd: call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Portland and HMP The Verne in Weymouth employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Portland and HMP The Verne in Weymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer involves, especially at HMP Portland and HMP The Verne. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a prison officer, you'll need to influence and manage situations effectively. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and healthy! You'll need to pass a medical and fitness assessment, so start preparing now. Regular exercise can help you meet those standards and show your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the recruitment process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Portland and HMP The Verne in Weymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of a prison officer. Highlight your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring for others, as these are key traits we’re looking for.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down the process, and we want to get you through as quickly as possible!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is processed smoothly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as communicating effectively and managing a quality service. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
The online assessment centre is a crucial step in the recruitment process. Brush up on your judgement and numerical skills, as these will be tested. Practising sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you perform better during the assessment.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss situations where you've had to make effective decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively, which is essential for a prison officer.
✨Emphasise Your Caring Nature
Caring is a key aspect of being a prison officer. Be prepared to talk about how you've shown empathy and support in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to connect with others and manage challenging situations will set you apart from other candidates.
