Ministry of Justice
About the Role:
As an Operational Support Officer, you will play a vital role in the daily running of HMP Wealstun prison, working within a supportive team to provide essential support services. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks, from security and visitor management to monitoring systems and prisoner supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, and vehicles (gate/portal duties).
- Conduct searches of staff, prisoners, visitors, contractors, and vehicles.
- Operate the establishment radio system and monitor CCTV, reporting suspicious activities.
- Book, identify, and process visitors, and escort as required.
- Monitor and log mail, reporting contraband or illicit items.
- Ensure cell doors are locked and prisoners are accounted for during night duties.
- Assist with reception tasks, photographing prisoners, and collating documentation for property processes.
- Search and x-ray incoming prisoner property and parcels, checking seals.
- Supervise prisoners as required, undertaking clothing/property exchanges.
- Deliver and collect food trolleys, potentially using an electric tug vehicle.
- Transport prisoners and escorts to destinations in cellular vehicles.
- Collect mail from the local sorting office.
- Monitor the Personal Identification Number (PIN) system, logging PIN Phone requests from prisoners and completing all relevant paperwork.
- Check that legal numbers are registered solicitors.
- Understand and comply with national and local policies, responding appropriately to emergency procedures and incidents.
Skills and Expertise:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Experience in security, customer service, or similar environments is desirable.
- Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Strong attention to detail and record-keeping abilities.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Job Facilities/Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 after 10 years.
- 9 days bank, public, and privilege holidays.
- Paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service.
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- Season ticket loans, retail discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle to Work scheme.
- 27,840 salary (37-hour working week, inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance).
Why Join Us:
HMP Wealstun offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to a vital public service. You’ll be joining a dedicated team committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. The generous benefits package and opportunities for professional development make this an excellent opportunity for career advancement within the Civil Service.