Job Overview
PLEASE NOTE These positions are being offered on a Fixed Term Contract for a period of 2 years. Your location preference will be captured on the online application form and you may select up to three prison locations.
The role of Operational Support Grade involves the day‑to‑day running of a busy prison, working in a close knit team to carry out a range of support services – from patrol and gate duties, to managing deliveries, supervising visitors, monitoring phone calls and CCTV. Shift and night work is required to keep the prison running.
Hours and Shift Pattern
You will work an average of 37 hours per week. This schedule includes night shifts, evenings, weekends and Bank/Public holidays (added to your holiday allowance) on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts varies by establishment and can be discussed at interview.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: £29,432 for a 37 hour working week inclusive of a 20% unsocial hours working allowance which is included in the salary to reflect the requirement to work nights, evenings and weekends.
* Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service (pro‑rated).
* 9 days of bank, public and privilege holidays.
* Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
* Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
* Season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme and a Cycle to Work scheme.
Key Responsibilities
* Gate/portal duties: secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles; carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors and vehicles; issue and collect staff keys/radios.
* Control room: operate the establishment radio system and monitor CCTV, reporting all suspicious activities.
* Visits: book visits; identify and process visitors on arrival; escort them if required.
* Censors/correspondence: monitor and log mail, report illicit or contraband items, preserve evidence.
* Night duties: ensure cell doors are locked/secure; all prisoners are safely accounted for.
* Reception: assist with reception tasks; photograph prisoners; collate documentation for the property process; search/x‑ray incoming prisoner property and parcels; receive items for prisoners and check seals.
* Prisoner supervision: supervise prisoners as required; undertake prisoner clothing/property exchange; assist officers with free‑flow movement.
* Food delivery: food trolley delivery and collection, which may involve the use of an electric tug vehicle.
* Driving duties: transport prisoners and their escort to their destination in the cellular vehicle; collect mail from the local sorting office.
* Phone calls: monitor the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system; maintain the log of PIN phone requests; complete all relevant paperwork; check that legal numbers are registered solicitors.
* Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies; respond appropriately to invoke emergency procedures and required actions in relation to incidents.
Success Profile Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service.
Requirements
The job holder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English or, when specified in Wales, Welsh.
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