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- Tasks: Support individuals in custody, fostering positive relationships and personal development.
- Company: Join the Scottish Prison Service, dedicated to transforming lives and building a safer Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and diverse career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your own skills and career.
- Qualifications: Strong commitment to personal growth and ability to handle challenging situations.
The predicted salary is between 37682 - 44248 £ per year.
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 - we believe that people can change
- Respect - we are inclusive, respecting the needs, rights and voices of everyone equitably
- Integrity - we have high ethical, moral and professional standards
- Openness - we work with others to achieve the best outcomes
- Compassion - we care about people and believe that positive relationships are a critical enabler of change
- Humility - we cannot do this on our own, we recognise that we need to work with and learn from others
- Innovation - we continually find ways to improve the delivery of prison services in Scotland
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 ongoing 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.
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.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) operates in a fascinating, complex and rapidly changing environment. Our vision is to help build a safer Scotland by unlocking potential and transforming lives. To enable us to successfully deliver our vision, we are committed to nurturing and investing in our greatest strength and resource: Our People.
We are proud to employ a diverse range of people; each contributing their own unique experiences and skills to enhance the service we deliver. Whatever the role, you will find your SPS experience both challenging and rewarding. You will be committed to helping us to achieve our goals and in return we will be committed to helping you to achieve yours.
We employ approximately 5,000 staff across our prisons, headquarters, college, and training and storage facility. The hard work of our staff is the most critical component in the successful delivery of Scotland’s prison system.
We need professional, capable and motivated individuals who reflect Scotland’s diversity to deliver effective and efficient activities and services to achieve our Mission and realise our Vision. Whatever SPS profession you embark upon, you will be a valued member of the team, helping us build a Safer Scotland for the communities we serve. We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities.
All Civil Servants, and therefore anyone employed by the Scottish Prison Service, must be able to fully comply with the requirements of the Civil Service Code. Everyone is expected to carry out their role with dedication and uphold the core values of the Civil Service: Honesty, Integrity, Objectivity and Impartiality.
- Integrity: putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests.
- Honesty: being truthful and open.
- Objectivity: basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence.
- Impartiality: acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well Governments of different political persuasions.
Our recruitment is conducted in line with the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles and external competitions are regulated by the Civil Service Commission. While the legal requirement to follow these Principles applies specifically to external appointments, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) recognises these standards as best practice. Accordingly, SPS fully adopts these principles as the foundation for all recruitment activity, including internal recruitment and selection processes.
External competitions: if you believe that the requirement for selection for appointment on merit based on fair and open competition has not been met, you have the right to raise a complaint.
Residential Officer - HMP & YOI Grampian employer: Scottish Prison Service
Contact Detail:
Scottish Prison Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Officer - HMP & YOI Grampian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach during interviews to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former SPS staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle challenging situations in a prison environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the SPS team and contributing to a safer Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Officer - HMP & YOI Grampian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives and are committed to the values of the Scottish Prison Service.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for candidates who understand our mission and can demonstrate their ability to contribute to it.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Residential Officer role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Prison Service
✨Understand the SPS Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the values of the Scottish Prison Service. They’re not just words; they reflect the ethos of the organisation. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your own experiences, especially around belief, respect, and compassion.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Residential Officer, you'll be working closely with individuals in custody. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build positive relationships and handle challenging situations. Think about times when you've demonstrated empathy and effective communication, as these are key in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Practice responding to hypothetical situations you might face as a Prison Officer. This will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
The role requires ongoing personal and professional development. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to continue learning and growing in your career. Mention any relevant training or courses you’ve undertaken, and express your enthusiasm for the training pathway offered by the SPS.