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5794 - Operational Support Grade - HMP Highpoint (Prison Support Role)

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HM Prison and Probation Service

14d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry Level
  • Customer Relations
    Facilities Management
  • Cambridge
  • 1d left

AI generated summary

  • You need good judgment, teamwork skills, and confidence in English. A driving license can help, and all candidates will undergo security checks and a 6-month probation period.
  • You will manage secure entry and exit, patrol the facility, supervise prisoners, monitor communications, log mail, and ensure safety protocols while assisting staff and visitors throughout the prison.

Requirements

  • Travel to Work – Some prison establishments are situated in rural locations with limited public transport options, therefore a driving licence and own transport is beneficial but is not an essential requirement of the role (unless specified). Please note that shift start and finish times are fixed and it is your responsibility to get to and from your place of work on time for the start of your shift. Please carefully consider the location of this vacancy and your transport options.
  • Accommodation is not provided.
  • You do not need any qualifications to do this job. Helping to keep a prison running smoothly and safely requires good judgement, common sense, responsibility and, above all teamwork.
  • The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or (when specified in Wales) Welsh.
  • All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
  • All external candidates are subject to 6 months’ probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS.
  • All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist.

Responsibilities

  • Gate duties
  • ensuring the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles.
  • carrying out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles
  • walking around the prison site to escort vehicles and contractors
  • issuing and collecting staff keys and radios
  • walking around the prison site patrolling and searching perimeter fence areas
  • Control room
  • operating the prison radio system
  • monitoring CCTV, ensuring all suspicious activities are reported.
  • Visits
  • welcoming visitors on their arrival
  • escorting them if needed
  • Correspondence
  • monitoring and logging mail coming into the prison
  • reporting any contraband items, preserving evidence where needed
  • Night duties
  • ensuring cell doors are locked and all prisoners are safely accounted for.
  • Reception
  • photographing prisoners
  • processing prisoners’ property and parcels coming into the prison.
  • Prisoner supervision
  • sometimes supervising prisoners
  • exchanging clothing and property
  • helping prison officers escort prisoners around the prison
  • Food delivery
  • walking around the prison delivering and collecting food trollies, or sometimes using an electric tug vehicle
  • Driving duties
  • transporting prisoners and their escorts to their destination
  • collecting mail from the local sorting office, which may involve lifting heavy sacks.
  • Phone calls
  • monitoring the prison’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) phone system
  • maintaining the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners
  • completing relevant records
  • Procedures and protocol
  • understanding and conforming to national and local policies, responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies

FAQs

What are the working hours for the Operational Support Grade position?

You will work an average of 37 hours per week, which includes night shifts, evenings, weekends, and Bank/Public holidays on a rolling shift pattern.

Is a driving license required for this job?

A driving license and own transport are beneficial due to the rural location of the prison, but they are not essential requirements unless specified.

What is the annual salary for this role?

The salary for this role is £27,840, which includes a 20% unsocial hours working allowance.

Are there any qualifications required for this position?

No qualifications are needed to apply for this job; however, good judgment, common sense, responsibility, and teamwork are essential traits.

What types of tasks will I be doing in this role?

You will perform a variety of physical tasks, which may include lifting and carrying, standing for long periods, walking, and undertaking gate duties, control room operations, visits, correspondence monitoring, prisoner supervision, food delivery, and more.

Is training provided for this job?

Yes, full training will be provided, and you will have a supportive team by your side.

What benefits do employees receive beyond the base salary?

In addition to the base salary, employees receive 25 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after 10 years), 9 bank/public holidays, access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service, a generous Civil Service pension scheme, retail discounts, and other benefits.

How can I apply for the position?

You can apply by clicking "apply" on the job ad, filling in your personal details on the application form, and following the subsequent instructions for booking an interview.

Is accommodation provided for this role?

No, accommodation is not provided for employees.

What is the duration of the merit list for successful candidates?

Candidates who are successful at the interview will be placed on a merit list for 12 months, after which they will need to reapply if they wish to be considered for future positions.

How can I prepare for the interview process?

You will be assessed on your behaviours and experience during the interview, so it is beneficial to reflect on your work history, personal experiences, and relevant strengths.

What is the selection process like for this job?

The selection process involves an application form submission followed by an interview that assesses your behaviours and strengths. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Are there any provisions for reasonable adjustments during the hiring process?

Yes, you can arrange reasonable adjustment support before completing online tests or attending an interview by indicating your needs on the application form.

What are the nationality requirements for this role?

This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, nationals from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and their family members with settled or pre-settled status, as well as Turkish nationals with specific rights.

Will I need to undergo any background checks before starting the role?

Yes, successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks before taking up the post.

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HM Prison and Probation Service

Preventing victims by changing lives.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

The Prison and Probation Service in the UK is responsible for the management of prisons and the supervision of offenders in the community. Their ultimate mission is to protect the public by reducing reoffending and ensuring offenders are safely and securely managed. Their purpose is to support rehabilitation, provide opportunities for offenders to reform, and ensure they are prepared for successful reintegration into society. The service is committed to maintaining safety, security, and effectiveness in the criminal justice system.