IRC321860 - Custody Prison Officer (CPO)

DEPARTMENT: Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), Department of Justice (DoJ)

LOCATION: Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison and Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison

The majority of vacancies are operational CPO, however there are also a number of CPO vacancies within the Trades Departments across establishments for qualified Plumbers, Electricians & Joiners.

What makes a person choose to be a Prison Officer?

The role of a Custody Prison Officer (CPO) is both challenging and rewarding. It’s challenging as prisons are complex environments where many of the prisoners have a history of being involved in crime; some will also suffer from mental illness and addictions.

It’s rewarding because you will have the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives as you challenge and support them to change; playing a key role in making Northern Ireland safer.

If you believe you have what it takes to be a CPO (Operational) and/or CPO within the Trades Departments (Plumber/Electrician/Joiner), please apply.

It’s not a job for everyone. But then, you’re not everyone.

For more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilites of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please click on the Candidate Information Booklet link below.

Completed application forms must be returned no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) Friday 30 th January 2026.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Applications from Roman Catholics, females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.

As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants. Further information can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet. All queries can be directed to HRConnect by:

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn. Please see our candidate guidance https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/resources/documents/a/i/-/ai-candidate-guidance.docx for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.