Prison Support Officer - HMP Ashfield

Serco Limited; Bristol; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job description

Location: HMP Ashfield, Bristol

Salary: £25,494 per annum, plus Serco benefits

Working hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week / We are also offering Part Time hours if required.

We're looking for Prison Support Officers (OSOs) to join our team at HMP Ashfield. You'll play a vital role helping prison operations run smoothly.

What does the job involve?

You'll report to the Custodial Operations Manager, supporting with various duties. You'll be entrusted to:

• Carry out duties in the control room, monitoring CCTV and radio systems, alerting staff when alarms are raised and completing all necessary paperwork.
• Conduct routine net test calls and cell call checks.
• Work in the Gatehouse, giving access to both visitors and staff, and searching vehicles and staff when required.
• Assist with escorting vehicles around the establishment.
• Allocate Body Worn Video Cameras (BMVCs) and be responsible for the equipment.
• Support with contingency planning.
• Plus other operational tasks as needed.

What we're looking for:

• Essential: GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C or above) or equivalent, plus good IT skills.
• Desirable: Experience in a secure environment (e.g., prison service), knowledge of security procedures, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Skills: Strong organisation, analytical thinking, and attention to detail - reading and writing skills are important for report writing and interpreting data.
• Team player: Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, visitors, and prisoners.
• Trust and discretion: This role involves handling sensitive information with professionalism.
• Other requirements: A full driving licence and flexibility to work shifts, which may include nights.

If you thrive in a structured yet dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Why Serco:

• Meaningful and vital work: The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters - delivering essential services that touch people's lives.
• A world of opportunity: Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You'll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
• Great people: We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You'll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.

What we offer:

• Serco Benefits package.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Serco discounts which include cinema, Merlin Entertainment, online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• A safe and supportive culture.
• The chance to make a positive difference to the prison and court systems.
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all offers of employment are subject to security clearance checks and satisfactory employment references. You'll be required to provide 5 years of employment and education history as part of these checks.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current UK Home Office rules, as it does not meet the required salary or skill level criteria. Whilst we encourage applications to other roles, candidates who already have a valid right to work in the UK through other immigration routes or permissions must meet the below minimum eligibility criteria:

• Have at least two years remaining on your current visa to ensure sufficient time in the role.
• Have lived in the UK for at least one year, as the vetting process requires a counter-signatory from a recognised professional who has known you for that duration.

For general right-to-work guidance, please visit the UK Home Office website.