At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in providing a canteen service to prisoners, processing orders and managing stock.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to rehabilitation and community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must have 2 National 5 qualifications, including English and Maths.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather; PPE provided.
The predicted salary is between 26567 - 26567 £ per year.
Location: HMP Shotts
Salary: £26,567
Closing Date: 2025-04-10
Hours of Work: Please refer to full job description on SPS career site
Job Purpose: The post holder will provide an effective and efficient canteen service to the prisoner population, adhering to strict guidelines and deadlines, accurately processing and bagging individual orders in preparation for delivery to residential areas. The post holder will be required to work outside in all weather conditions (appropriate PPE will be provided). The post holder may be required to cover the Prisoner Wages Admin Assistant as highlighted by management. This role will have prisoner contact.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the delivery of an effective and efficient canteen service in accordance to agreed timescales.
- The post holder will be required to undertake manual handling duties on a daily basis, in a warehouse type vicinity.
- Check canteen sheets for accuracy and process orders through an electronic point of sale system.
- Accurately pick, charge and seal prisoner’s canteen orders, in preparation to deliver to residential areas within strict deadlines.
- Receive and check weekly stock delivery and input onto stock management software.
- Effective stock management, rotation and reconciliation including physical stock check.
- As part of a multi-functional team you will be required to perform other tasks/ relief cover as specified by Accounts Manager.
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: A minimum of 2 National 5 qualifications, including English and Maths or equivalent qualifications - Essential.
Experience Requirements: Knowledge Skills Requirements: Sound knowledge and experience of stock control - Essential. Competent and experienced in the use of ICT tools, including Microsoft Office packages - Essential. Ability to analyse, interpret and report on a range of information. Excellent numeracy skills and attention to detail - Essential.
Prisoner Services Assistant, Permanent employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prisoner Services Assistant, Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Prisoner Services Assistant. Understanding the canteen service process and stock management will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in stock control or working in a fast-paced environment. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would manage tasks under pressure, especially given the strict deadlines mentioned in the job description. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully met tight deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Since this role involves working as part of a multi-functional team, be ready to share your teamwork experiences. Emphasising your ability to collaborate and support colleagues will make you a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Prisoner Services Assistant, Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Prisoner Services Assistant 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 stock control, customer service, or working in a team environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your competencies related to the role.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your ICT proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office, as well as your numeracy skills and attention to detail. These are essential for the role and should be clearly articulated in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key behaviours and competencies outlined in the job description. Use the language from the job posting to make it clear that you meet the criteria they are looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Prisoner Services Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the canteen service process, stock management, and the importance of adhering to strict guidelines.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your experience with stock control and ICT tools during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed stock or used software to improve efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This role requires working as part of a multi-functional team. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs, especially in high-pressure situations or when covering for colleagues.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the selection process is based on a Behavioural Competency Framework, prepare for questions that assess your behaviours. Think about past experiences that demonstrate your attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and effective communication skills.