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- Tasks: Support individuals in custody, fostering positive relationships and promoting personal development.
- Company: Scottish Prison Service dedicated to making Scotland safer.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Strong commitment to personal development and ability to handle challenging situations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
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.
- Values
- 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
Although still currently operating as HMP Inverness, we are soon to open HMP Highland, with prison officers transferring over to the new establishment at this point. A great opportunity for starting your prison officer career!
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, involving 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 licensed Sponsor and Visa Sponsorship is not available for this role.
Right to work: The role you have applied for requires that you 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.
About Us
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.
Residential Officer - HMP Inverness (HMP Highland) employer: Scottishprisonservice
Contact Detail:
Scottishprisonservice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Officer - HMP Inverness (HMP Highland)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Prison Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips about the role and the application process, plus it shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding SPS values inside out. Think of examples from your life that demonstrate belief in change, respect, and compassion. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show you're a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Prison Officer, you'll need to build relationships and handle challenging situations. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing tough topics and showing empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Officer - HMP Inverness (HMP Highland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping others 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 SPS.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've embodied the SPS values like respect, integrity, and compassion. This helps us see how you can apply these principles in the role of a Residential Officer.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Prison Officer, especially those related to personal and professional development.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottishprisonservice
✨Understand the SPS Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the Scottish Prison Service values. They believe in change, respect, integrity, openness, compassion, humility, and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your own life and work.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Residential Officer, you'll be working closely with individuals in custody. Highlight your experience in building relationships and managing challenging situations. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with others and foster positive interactions.
✨Prepare for Physical and Emotional Demands
The role can be physically demanding and emotionally intense. Be honest about your fitness levels and readiness to handle such challenges. You might want to share any relevant experiences that showcase your resilience and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about the training process for new officers or how the SPS supports ongoing professional development.