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- Tasks: Support individuals in custody, manage behaviours, and maintain safety within the prison environment.
- 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 culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a commitment to personal growth and helping others.
- Other info: This role involves shift work and requires physical fitness and emotional resilience.
The predicted salary is between 36268 - 42587 £ per year.
Vacancy Type: PermanentLocation: HMP & YOI GrampianPay Band: Please refer to full job description on SPS career siteSalary: Starting salary of £36,268 progressing to £42,587 within 3 years, subject to pay progression Closing Date: 2025-08-22Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career siteJob 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
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 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. 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.
ESSENTIAL
Selection Methods Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Prison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Permanent employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to rehabilitation and the importance of building relationships will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your resilience and ability to manage challenging situations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated difficult circumstances, as this will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current or former prison officers if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the job and what skills are most important, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commitment to professional development. The role requires ongoing training, so be ready to talk about how you plan to continue learning and growing within the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Officer - Residential - HMP Grampian - Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Prison Officer position. Understand the responsibilities and the skills required, such as resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work in support roles or environments where you managed challenging behaviours.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your understanding of the Scottish Prison Service's values. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive difference in others' lives and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, clearly showcase your ability to build relationships and manage information effectively. Provide examples of how you've used your communication skills to resolve conflicts or support others in challenging situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role and Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Prison Officer and the values of the Scottish Prison Service. Familiarise yourself with their mission of 'Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives' and be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your own life.
✨Demonstrate Your Resilience
Given the challenging nature of the role, it's crucial to showcase your resilience during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed difficult situations or behaviours, highlighting your emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've used your communication skills to build relationships and manage conflicts in previous roles. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Commitment to Professional Development
The role requires a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. Be prepared to talk about any relevant training or qualifications you've pursued, as well as your willingness to continue learning and growing in the position.
