At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in custody, manage casework, and promote rehabilitation.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to making Scotland safer and transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Shift work required; must have the right to work in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a commitment to support and help others.
The predicted salary is between 36268 - 42587 £ per year.
Vacancy Type Permanent
Location HMP & YOI Grampian
Pay band D
Starting salary of £36,268 progressing to £42,587 within 3 years, subject to pay progression
22/08/2025, 10:00
Hours of work Shift Work
Job Purpose
The Scottish Prison Service is now recruiting for Residential Officers to join us throughout 2025/2026 at HMP Grampian which is located in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
We\'ve set up a dedicated page on our website where you can find out more about HMP Grampian. You can access it here .
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS), established in 1993, is an agency of the Scottish Government whose principal objective is to contribute to making Scotland safer by protecting the public and reducing reoffending. The SPS aims to achieve this by ensuring delivery of secure custody, safe and orderly prisons, high quality standards of care, and opportunities for those in custody to build capacity to help them reintegrate into the community on release.
Prison Officers are a principal agent of delivery of the SPS Vision of Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives as they are a critical point of contact between those in custody and the organisation charged with their safety, security and personal development. Prison Officers have a positive and caring approach towards those in our care and adopt an asset-based approach, fostering effective relationships in order to help those in SPS care to desist from offending and help transform their lives.
The role depends upon Prison Officers embracing the aims and ethos of the SPS Mission and their personal efficacy and professionalism are vital to developing and maintaining essential working relationships with those in our care. The design and delivery of person-centred services, requires staff who not only demonstrate SPS Values, but who believe in change and their ability to affect it. Our values are;
Belief - belief that people can change
Respect - have proper regard for individuals, their needs and their human rights
Integrity - apply high ethical, moral and professional standards
Openness - work with others to achieve the best outcomes
Courage - have the courage to care regardless of circumstances
Humility - recognise that we can learn from others
Newly appointed Prison Officers - Residential will undertake a block of training as part of a new professional development pathway which represents a significant and positive investment in the professional Prison Officer in Scotland. As such, the role requires a strong on-going commitment to personal and professional development.
Prison Officers - Residential will spend the majority of their time in the residential (accommodation) area of the prison. The role can be physically demanding in that it involves walking and standing for a majority of the time and there will be frequent occasions where physical fitness and dexterity will be required to assist in the secure handling of challenging situations. The potentially intense nature of the interactions with those in our care and their families may exert emotional demands on Prison Officers.
Prison Officer - Residential members of staff work on a rostered shift pattern.
Please refer to the attached documents which provide further information regarding the recruitment process and other candidate guidance.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the recruitment team at Vacancies@prisons.gov.scot
Applicants please note: The Scottish Prison Service is not a licenced Sponsor and Visa Sponsorship is not available for this role.
For the role you have applied for you must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service .
The Immigration Act 2014requires employers to check documents to establish a person’s eligibility to work in the UK and comply with any restrictions before they start work. Therefore, all candidates who are successful in the selection process for this role, when requested, will be required to provide evidence of their right to work.
Responsibilities
Encouraging positive behaviours in individuals in engaging with rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives and processes through a supportive, caring and inclusive approach, consistently demonstrating support and respect for equality, diversity and human rights.
Contributing to the prevention and constructive management of challenging and/or difficult behaviours whilst demonstrating fairness and consistency in order to build positive relationships with individuals in custody.
Managing individuals’ case work and exercising professional judgement in responding to particular needs and challenges, identifying changes in individuals’ physical and mental health and initiating appropriate responses by others.
Completion of all administration and communications relevant to the role, in line with local and national requirements and standards. This includes processing, analysing, evaluating and disseminating appropriate and relevant information, as well as production of high quality and accurate report writing and maintenance of paper and electronic records in accordance with SPS policies and relevant legislation.
Contributing to effective operational risk management by ensuring the safe and secure supervision of those in SPS care ensuring their needs and entitlements are consistently met in line with Prison Rules and Directives, SPS policy, Standard Operating Procedures, and relevant legislation.
Managing conflict, with a focus on de-escalation, and contributing towards local incident management using established and approved techniques whilst recognising and managing the impact of challenging behaviours on self and others.
Person Specification
SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.
Qualifications Requirements
Commitment to Professional Development
Commitment to continuous professional development, including undertaking formal training and qualifications to support your own learning and development as well as the development of those in our care.
ESSENTIAL
Experience Requirements
Supporting Others
Experience of providing support, advice or guidance to others.
ESSENTIAL
Making a Difference
Experience of making a positive difference to the lives of others.
ESSENTIAL
Resilience
Experience of managing challenging circumstances or behaviours, using your emotional intelligence to prevent or resolve conflict, regulate your own emotional reactions and positively influencing others to achieve desired results.
ESSENTIAL
Knowledge Skills Requirements
Building & Maintaining Relationships
Ability to foster good relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills, and influencing others to achieve desired outcomes.
ESSENTIAL
Problem Solving & Decision
Making Ability to proactively identify issues, recognise themes and patterns in order to implement solutions and make decisions which are defensible, evidence-based, take account of risks, appropriate and timely.
ESSENTIAL
Communication Skills
Ability to manage situations, relationships and conflict through effective use of communication skills.
ESSENTIAL
Managing Information
Ability to use a computer and other digital devices to process, analyse, evaluate and disseminate information and produce high quality written reports and maintain effective and accurate records.
#J-18808-LjbffrPrison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire employer: Scottish Prison Service
The Scottish Prison Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional development for its staff. With competitive salaries and a commitment to fostering positive relationships, employees at HMP Grampian in Peterhead can expect meaningful work that contributes to community safety and rehabilitation, alongside opportunities for career progression within a dedicated team focused on transforming lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Prison Service, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Prison Service and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Prison Service and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Prison Service, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Prison Service.
