Starting salary of £29,634 progressing to £33,569 within 3 years, subject to pay progression.
22/09/2025, 10:00
Hours of work: Shift Work
Job Purpose
As an Operations Officer, you will be in a unique position to make a real difference to the community you live in and be at the heart of delivering the SPS’ vision of ‘Helping to build a safer Scotland by Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives’. Your role will be challenging and rewarding, with responsibility for maintaining custody and order while facilitating opportunities for those in our care. You will influence offenders to maintain contact with their families, access education and training, and support their journey to become contributory citizens within our communities.
You will contribute to the prevention and management of challenging behaviour by providing safe and secure custodial services that empower offenders to take responsibility and transform their lives.
Although currently operating as HMP Inverness, we will soon open HMP Highland, with prison officers transferring to the new establishment. This presents a great opportunity to start your prison officer career!
In this role, you will be responsible for the overall functioning and security of the establishment, working as part of a team and carrying out roles in Front of House, Visits, Electronic Control Room, Patrol, and Prisoner Reception.
Please note: As part of the Operations Officer role, you will work shifts according to a set roster, covering early, day, back, and night shifts.
Applications will be considered for appointment at HMP Inverness only.
Applicants: The Scottish Prison Service is not a licensed Sponsor, and Visa Sponsorship is unavailable for this role. You must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service.
Note: The Immigration Act 2014 requires employers to verify eligibility to work in the UK. Successful candidates will need to provide evidence of their right to work upon request.
Responsibilities
You will be the first point of contact for visitors, interacting with a diverse range of individuals, including offenders’ families, legal representatives, and SPS staff. You will follow procedures, demonstrating effective communication, compassion, empathy, and rapport-building skills, offering advice where necessary. You will maintain security through screening, searching, and managing entry and exit, confidently challenging individuals when required.
Maintaining family contact is vital. You will supervise visits, support families, and ensure safety and security during visits, demonstrating problem-solving skills and respect for human rights.
The Electronic Control Room (ECR) manages movement and security within the establishment. You will monitor security systems, including CCTV, alarms, and communication systems, demonstrating teamwork and communication skills.
You will ensure safety by checking physical barriers, responding to security breaches, and adhering to high ethical and professional standards.
In the Reception area, you will manage offender entry and release, assess individual needs, and follow proper procedures, demonstrating care, dignity, and respect.
You will escort offenders internally and externally, managing their movement between various areas and ensuring safety and security at all times.
Person Specification
Our recruitment is based on the Behavioural Competency Framework, assessing key behaviors relevant to the role. Not all behaviors will be assessed, only those critical to this position.
Qualifications Requirements
Professional Development: Commitment to ongoing training and qualifications.
Experience Requirements
Working with Others: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and build relationships.
Influencing Others: Ability to confidently influence or challenge behavior positively.
Problem Solving: Experience in proactively identifying and resolving issues.
Knowledge & Skills Requirements
Numeracy & Literacy: Basic skills to understand and communicate information clearly.
Following Procedures: Ability to adhere to processes and instructions accurately.
#J-18808-Ljbffr