Operational Support Grade - HMP Heath; Prison Support

Employment Details

Job Type: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.

Location:

Market Drayton.

Number of positions: 6.

Closing date: 23 July 2026.

As a member of the prison support team, you will help keep the facility running smoothly through a range of physical and administrative tasks. The role includes standing, walking and lifting, with duties both during the day and night. Full training and a supportive team are provided.

• Life as an OSG
  • Ensure 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 suspicious activity.
• Visits
  • Welcome visitors on arrival.
  • Escort visitors if needed.
  • Monitor and log mail entering the prison.
  • Report contraband and preserve evidence.
  • Ensure cell doors are locked and prisoners accounted for.
• Reception
  • Photograph prisoners.
  • Process prisoners’ property and parcels.
  • Supervise prisoners when required.
  • Exchange clothing and property.
  • Help officers escort prisoners around the centre.
  • Deliver and collect food trollies or use electric tug vehicles.
• Driving Duties
  • Collect mail from the local sorting office, lifting heavy sacks when needed.
  • Monitor the PIN phone system and maintain logs of requests.
• Procedures and Protocol
  • Apply national and local policies and respond to incidents and emergencies.

The role averages 37 hours per week, including nights, evenings, weekends and public holidays on a rotating shift pattern.

Salary is quoted for a 37‑hour week inclusive of a 20% unsocial hours allowance. Benefits include:

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years (pro‑rated).
• 9 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.

No formal qualifications are required. The role requires good judgement, common sense, responsibility and strong teamwork. English language proficiency is required (Welsh required where specified).

A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. Accommodation is not provided.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.