Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)
Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)

Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)

Kent Full-Time 23800 - 31700 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support daily prison operations, including security checks, managing deliveries, and monitoring CCTV.
  • Company: Join His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, making a real difference in the community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a Civil Service pension, and access to retail discounts.
  • Why this job: Make an impact while gaining valuable experience in a unique and supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: No qualifications needed; just bring good communication skills and a calm attitude under pressure.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for career progression into other prison roles.

The predicted salary is between 23800 - 31700 £ per year.

As an Operational Support Grade, you will play a key part in supporting the day-to-day running of a busy prison. You will be part of a supportive team doing all sorts of things – from security and searches at the gate, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV. It’s a varied and active job involving tasks which combine some desk duties with more physical tasks such as lifting, carrying and walking to accompany vehicles across the prison grounds.

You don’t need any qualifications to do this job, but if you are a good communicator and can keep calm under pressure, this fast-paced role could be the start of a successful career for you. Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely you will have good judgement and common sense, and, above all, be a great team player. As an OSG, you will work a variety of shifts, including weekend and night shifts, to keep things running.

In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to protect the public and make an impact on lives by supporting the important work happening daily in our prisons. Unlike our prison officers, your contact with prisoners is limited, although depending on the particular prison you may interact with prisoners occasionally. The OSG role will give you significant knowledge and experience of how a prison operates. It can provide opportunities to move into other prison jobs, including opportunities to apply for the OSG to Prison Officer conversion scheme.

What you can expect from us: You’ll be given great training and opportunities for progression and development. In addition to your base pay, you will receive:

  • Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after 10 years’ service (calculated on a pro-rata basis)
  • 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
  • Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
  • Access to the generous Civil Service pension scheme
  • Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme

If this sounds like you, apply now.

Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role) employer: TMP MOJ OSG

At His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values teamwork, communication, and personal growth. Working at HMP Swaleside offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety while enjoying comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to professional development programmes. Our supportive work culture fosters career progression, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful step towards a rewarding career in the justice sector.
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Contact Detail:

TMP MOJ OSG Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the daily operations of a prison. Understanding the environment and the various roles within it can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your communication skills in conversations with recruiters or during networking events. Being able to convey your thoughts clearly and effectively is crucial in a role that requires teamwork and interaction with various stakeholders.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for situational questions by thinking about how you would handle pressure or conflict. The ability to stay calm and make sound decisions under stress is key in this role, so be ready to share examples from your past experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former prison staff if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the application process, and may even offer tips on how to stand out as a candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)

Good Communication Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Team Player
Judgement and Common Sense
Attention to Detail
Physical Fitness
Ability to Follow Procedures
Time Management
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Basic IT Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Conflict Resolution Skills
Observation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operational Support Grade position. Highlight key skills such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Focus on any previous roles that involved teamwork, security, or customer service, even if they were not in a prison environment.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and explains why you would be a great fit. Mention your ability to handle varied tasks and your commitment to supporting the prison's operations.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at TMP MOJ OSG

✨Show Your Communication Skills

As a good communicator, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. During the interview, practice active listening and respond thoughtfully to questions, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

This role involves working in a fast-paced environment, so it's crucial to exhibit your ability to remain composed during challenging situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed stress or difficult circumstances.

✨Highlight Teamwork Experience

Being a great team player is vital for this position. Share specific instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, emphasising your ability to work well within a team dynamic.

✨Demonstrate Good Judgement

The role requires sound judgement and common sense. Be ready to discuss scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or assess situations critically, illustrating your ability to think on your feet.

Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)
TMP MOJ OSG
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  • Operational Support Grade - HMP Swaleside (Prison Support Role)

    Kent
    Full-Time
    23800 - 31700 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-10

  • T

    TMP MOJ OSG

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