Operational Support Grade - HMP Send; Prison Support

Descriptions & requirements

As part of our prison support team, your work will be varied and help to keep the prison moving. This is an active role where you will be doing a range of physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, long periods of standing and walking, and lone working on both day and night shifts.

• ensure the secure entry and exit of staff, visitors, vehicles
• carry out searches of staff, prisoners, visitors and vehicles
• walk around the prison site to escort vehicles and contractors
• issue and collect staff keys and radios
• patrol and search perimeter fence areas

• operate the prison radio system
• monitor CCTV and report any suspicious activities

• welcoming visitors on arrival
• escort visitors if needed
• monitor and log mail coming into the prison
• report any contraband items and preserve evidence where needed
• ensure cell doors are locked and all prisoners are safely accounted for

• photograph prisoners
• process prisoners’ property and parcels coming into the prison
• supervise prisoners when required
• exchange clothing and property
• assist prison officers in escorting prisoners around the prison
• deliver and collect food trollies or use an electric tug vehicle as needed

• collect mail from the local sorting office (may involve heavy lifting)
• monitor the prison’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) phone system
• maintain the log of PIN phone requests from prisoners

• understand and conform to national and local policies, and respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies

You do not need any formal qualifications. Good judgment, common sense, responsibility, and teamwork are essential.

The jobholder must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English (Welsh in Wales when specified).

• annual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service (pro‑rated)
• 9 days bank, public and privilege holidays
• access to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship in customer service
• access to the Civil Service pension scheme
• season ticket loans, retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work scheme

You will work an average of 37 hours per week, which includes nights, evenings, weekends, and bank/public holidays on a rolling shift pattern. Night shifts will vary by establishment and can be discussed at interview.

Flexible working arrangements such as part‑time, job share, or hybrid work may be available in accordance with business needs and policy.

Woking

A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified. Shift start and finish times are fixed; you must be able to travel to work on time. Please consider transport options before applying.

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Recruitment is by merit and open competition. If you believe the recruitment process has breached principles, you may raise a formal complaint with the Civil Service Commission.

Band 2 SSO Operational Support Grade General JD010 v10.0.pdf (Job Description Supporting Documents)