Custody Prison Officer; CPO

The role is both challenging and rewarding. Challenging, as prisons are complex environments where many of the individuals who will be in your care have committed serious offences or have a long-term history of being involved in crime; many will also suffer from mental illness and addictions. Rewarding, because you will have the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives as you challenge and support them to change and you will play a key role in making Northern Ireland safer.

We are looking for individuals from all parts of our community; people who want to work as part of a professional team in a dynamic environment.

If you believe you have what it takes to be a Custody Prison Officer, then I would encourage you to apply.

Successful candidates will undergo extensive training and will receive support and guidance in their role. You will have the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications and develop new skills as you work with a range of other statutory and voluntary organisations. You will also have the opportunity to progress through our management structure during a career that will be varied, demanding and enjoyable.

The role of a Custody Prison Officer is about much more than locking people up - it is about keeping individuals safe and secure while working to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending which is done through rehabilitation, resettlement and ultimately their reintegration back into our community.

If you want a challenging and rewarding job working where you can make a real difference, then join us.

• Actively encouraging prisoner participation in regime activities and offender management activities.
• Providing a Safe and Secure Environment;
  Support people to reduce their risk of re-offending through the implementation of sentence planning and risk management arrangements.
• Promote the aims and values of the NIPS.
• Effectively manage and supervise activities and movements ensuring people in our care attend activities on time.
• Contribute to this work by liaising and sharing appropriate information.
• Treat prisoners humanely and take care of their property, taking account of their human rights and dignity within the framework of Human Rights and Equality legislation.

• Provding care and support and facilitating rehabilitation.
• Please read this Candidate Information Booklet (CIB) carefully before completing your application form. This can be found on the employer's website by following the Apply Direct button.

Location - Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison and Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison.

For more detailed information and to apply, please go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Completed application forms must be returned no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) Friday 30th January 2026.The Northern Ireland Prison Service is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Applications from Roman Catholics, females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.

Vacancy  Job  Job Sector Security and General,Public Sector Area All of Northern Ireland Location Belfast, Lisburn, Limavady Salary £31,564 - £41,483 per annum (under review), risk allowance £4,110 per annum No. vacancies 20 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 39 Published date 05/01/2026 Closing date 30/01/2026 Worktime To be confirmed.

Area:
All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 09 Jan 2026

Area:
All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 16 Jan 2026