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- Tasks: As an Operations Officer, you'll maintain custody, support offenders, and ensure safety in various roles.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to building a safer Scotland and transforming lives.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £29,634, progressing to £33,569; shift work with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Basic numeracy and literacy skills; teamwork and problem-solving experience required.
- Other info: Shift work includes early, day, back, and night shifts; must have the right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 29634 - 33569 £ per year.
CCU – Bella (Dundee), CCU – Lilias (Glasgow), HMP & YOI Grampian, HMP & YOI Stirling, HMP Barlinnie, HMP Castle Huntly, HMP Edinburgh, HMP Glenochil, HMP Greenock, HMP Kilmarnock, HMP Low Moss, HMP Perth, HMP Shotts, HMYOI Polmont
Pay band C
Starting salary of £29,634 progressing to £33,569 within 3 years, subject to pay progression
Application deadline: 13/08/2025, 10:00
Hours of work: Shift Work
Job Purpose
Applicants please note: The Scottish Prison Service is not a licensed Sponsor and Visa Sponsorship is not available for this role.
For this role, you must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service.
The Immigration Act 2014 requires employers to check documents to establish a person’s eligibility to work in the UK and comply with any restrictions before they start work. All successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work upon request.
As an Operations Officer, you will play a vital role in making a difference to the community by helping to build a safer Scotland, aligning with the SPS’s vision of ‘Helping to build a safer Scotland by Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives’.
Your role will be challenging and rewarding, involving maintaining custody and order, facilitating opportunities for those in our care, and encouraging offenders to maintain contact with families, access education and training, and reintegrate into the community.
Contributing to the prevention and management of challenging behaviour, you will provide safe custodial services that empower offenders to take responsibility and transform their lives.
You will be responsible for the overall functioning and security of the establishment, working as part of a team across various roles including Front of House, Visits, Electronic Control Room, Patrol, and Prisoner Reception.
Please note: As part of this role, you will work shifts according to a set roster, covering early, day, back, and night shifts.
Responsibilities
You will be the first point of contact for visitors, interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including families, legal representatives, and staff. You will follow procedures, demonstrate effective communication, and show compassion and empathy while building rapport and providing advice.
You will maintain security by screening, searching, and facilitating the entry and exit of individuals, confidently challenging individuals when necessary.
Family contact is vital for offenders’ relationships; you will observe and supervise visits, support families, and ensure safety and security during visits, demonstrating problem-solving skills and respect for human rights.
The Electronic Control Room (ECR) manages staff and prisoner movement and security. You will monitor security systems, including CCTV, alarms, and communication systems, to ensure safety.
You will check physical barriers and respond to security breaches, demonstrating vigilance and adherence to policies and high ethical standards.
In the Reception area, you will manage offender entry and release, assess individual needs, and ensure procedures are followed with care and dignity.
You will escort offenders within the establishment and externally, ensuring safety and security, and handle external visitors and contractors following safety protocols.
Person Specification
Our recruitment is based on the Behavioural Competency Framework, assessing key behaviors relevant to the role, such as teamwork, influencing, problem-solving, and following procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
Commitment to ongoing training and development.
Experience working effectively within teams, influencing others, and solving problems.
Basic numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to follow processes and instructions accurately.
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Operations Officer - Various Locations employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Officer - Various Locations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to building a safer Scotland will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in dealing with diverse groups of people. As an Operations Officer, you'll interact with individuals from various backgrounds, so showcasing your communication skills and empathy can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed challenging situations, as this is crucial for maintaining order and security.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific establishments you're applying to. Each location may have unique challenges and community needs, so showing that you understand these nuances can demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Officer - Various Locations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operations Officer position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in security, custodial services, or roles that required strong communication and problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to address the key behaviours mentioned in the job description, such as teamwork, influencing, and following procedures. Provide concrete examples of how you've exhibited these competencies in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operations Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as maintaining security, facilitating family visits, and managing offender entry and release. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As you'll be interacting with a diverse range of individuals, it's crucial to highlight your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations, showing empathy and understanding while adhering to procedures.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully solved problems or managed challenging behaviour. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to think on your feet and handle difficult situations with composure.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Experience
Since the role involves working as part of a team, share experiences that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you've influenced others positively and contributed to team success in previous roles.
