At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Prison Custody Officer, ensure prisoner safety and support their rehabilitation daily.
- Company: Join Mitie Care & Custody, a leader in creating positive prison environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like gym access, virtual GP services, and generous holiday entitlements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and excellent communication are essential; empathy is key.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are central to our culture, fostering innovation and creativity.
Location: York, HMP Millsike
Salary: £36,540
Are you looking for a new role where you can genuinely make a difference?
Why apply for this role?
- Help make a real difference to people’s lives
- An opportunity to build your career within a brand new state-of-the-art prison
- Continuously develop new skills and work with an incredible team
- Excellent salary and benefits package to reward your hard work
PCO Job Responsibilities
As a PCO, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, security, and well-being of prisoners at HMP Millsike. Your responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring high standards of prisoner care and supporting their rehabilitation.
- Conducting security checks and search procedures on prisoners, staff, and visitors.
- Promote safer custody and violence reduction.
- Assisting prisoners in preparing for release by maintaining professional relationships with health and probation services and other professionals.
- Maintaining high standards of security and safety while promoting a positive, restorative and rehabilitative environment.
- Providing support and care for prisoners' physical and mental health needs.
- Using a trauma-informed approach to support prisoners' recovery and rehabilitation.
- Supervising prisoners' activities and work assignments to prevent disturbances and maintain order.
- Communicating effectively with prisoners, adapting language and style to ensure understanding.
Person Specification
We love to see applications from people who are motivated, hardworking, and willing to learn. Here are the core requirements we are looking for in the PCO role:
- Basic to intermediate IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to interact empathetically with prisoners and maintain professional boundaries.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, dignity, and diversity.
Why Join Us?
At Mitie Care & Custody, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our operations. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and be their best. Our diverse culture fosters innovation and creativity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. By joining us, you become part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of prisoners and their families.
Employee Benefits
- Healthy Eating and Living: Access to the gym and exercise classes such as yoga and Pilates. Low-cost, nutritious meals available at the staff canteen.
- Electric Minibus Service: Starting six months after commencement, an accessible electric minibus will transport colleagues between Stamford Bridge and the prison, aligning with shift patterns.
- Virtual GP Service: Unlimited 24/7 virtual GP consultations for employees and their households, reducing stress from waiting for standard appointments.
- Health and Wellbeing Days: Twice-yearly events offering health checks, healthy eating information, work-life balance advice, and raffle prizes.
- Long Service Awards: Celebrate milestones with certificates, badges, special lunches, and additional leave after five years.
- Choices Platform: Access to a variety of benefits including gym memberships, dental insurance, dining cards, and a Health Cash Plan.
- MiDeals Discount Portal: Savings at over 1,200 retailers, supporting wellbeing and managing the cost of living.
- Enhanced Maternity & Adoption Pay: 10 weeks of pay for permanent staff, plus a Return-to-Work bonus.
- Free Mitie Shares Scheme: Free shares for staff to foster a sense of investment and belonging.
- Financial Planning Support: Services from Salary Finance, including pay advances, low-cost loans, and personalised budget planning.
- Holidays: Mitie offers holiday entitlements ranging from 5.6 weeks to 6.6 weeks of holiday per year, including statutory holidays. You may have a rising entitlement based on the length of time you have worked for Mitie.
- Pension: Mitie operates two pension schemes as we want you to be able to enjoy your retirement to the full.
- Life Cover: Mitie provides life cover as a lump sum benefit for all permanent and fixed term employees.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to contribute to a supportive, uplifting environment that helps prisoners unlock their potential, apply now to join Mitie Care & Custody at HMP Millsike.
Tier 2 Sponsorship is not available for this role.
Prison Custody Officer employer: Mitie
Contact Detail:
Mitie Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Custody Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Prison Custody Officer. Understanding the nuances of prisoner care, security checks, and rehabilitation will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in roles that require empathy and communication skills. Being able to showcase your ability to interact positively with individuals from diverse backgrounds can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former prison staff if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the work environment, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mitie Care & Custody's values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can strengthen your application and show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Custody Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Prison Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Emphasise your communication skills, empathy, and any previous experience in similar roles or environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are passionate about this role and how you can contribute to the team at HMP Millsike. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commitment to safety, dignity, and rehabilitation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Custody Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key duties such as maintaining safety, supporting rehabilitation, and conducting security checks. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
During the interview, highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with prisoners. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with individuals in challenging situations. This will showcase your suitability for maintaining professional boundaries while providing support.
✨Demonstrate a Commitment to Safety and Diversity
Be prepared to discuss how you would uphold high standards of safety, dignity, and diversity within the prison environment. Reflect on your values and how they align with the company's commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere. This will show that you are not only qualified but also a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or opportunities for career development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.