Operational Support Grade - HMP Elmley; Prison Support

Overview

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Location:

AA

Job

Number of jobs available: 8

Posting date: 23-Jul-2026

• Life as an OSG: ensure the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, and vehicles; carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles; escort vehicles and contractors around the site; issue and collect staff keys and radios; patrol and search perimeter fence areas.
• Control room: operate the prison radio system; monitor CCTV and report any suspicious activities.
• Visits: welcome visitors, escort as needed, monitor and log mail, report contraband, and ensure prisoners are accounted for.
• Reception: photograph prisoners, process prisoners’ property and parcels, supervise prisoners when needed, exchange clothing and property, assist escorting prisoners, and operate trolleys or electric tug vehicle as required.
• Driving duties: collect mail (may involve lifting heavy sacks); monitor the prison PIN phone system; maintain the log of PIN requests.
• Procedures and protocol: understand and conform to national and local policies; respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

• No formal qualifications required; candidate should have good judgement, common sense, responsibility, and strong teamwork to help keep a prison running smoothly and safely.
• Ability to work across day and night shifts with periods of lone working; some roles may be rural with limited public transport, so driving licence and own transport can be beneficial but are not essential unless specified.

You will work an average of 37 hours per week, including night shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays on a rolling shift pattern. The frequency of night shifts varies by establishment and can be discussed at interview.

• The salary figures quoted include a 20% unsocial hours allowance for nights, evenings, and weekend shifts for a 37-hour week.
• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro-rata).
• 9 days of bank, public and privilege holidays.
• Access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service;
  Civil Service pension scheme; season ticket loans; retail discounts;
  Employee Assistance Programme;
  Cycle to Work scheme.

The MoJ offers hybrid/flexible working where business needs allow. This role is based in the UK and not overseas, with location to be discussed at offer and pre-employment checks. Some roles may have variable arrangements depending on establishment needs.