202607: Prison Officer - HMP Elmley

Job Details

Position: Prison Officer - HMP Elmley

Location: HMP Elmley, Church Rd, Eastchurch, Sheerness ME12 4DZ

Starting Salary: £40,316 per year (39 hour week including 20% unsocial hours)

Region: Kent, Surrey & Sussex

Job ID: 19407

Closing Date: 23 July 2026

Overview

Prison officers protect the public and help make a positive impact on prisoners' lives. The role involves peacekeeping, counseling, teaching and supporting the work of the prison team. Officers work a variety of shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe and secure environment within the prison.
• Provide direct support to prisoners including counseling, teaching and mentoring.
• Work as part of a single team, supporting colleagues and upholding the prison's safety and operational standards.
• Adhere to strict shift schedules, including unsocial hours.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance skills and knowledge.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Meet Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing checks.
• Maintain suitable hearing without hearing aids.
• Possess clear, non offensive tattoos; facial tattoos generally not allowed unless for cultural, religious or medical reasons.
• For category A (high security) prisons, must have resided in the UK for at least 3 years.
• Have the integrity, communication skills and resilience required for the role.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals.
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK.
• Nationals of EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre settled status under EUSS.
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain eligible for EUSS as of 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication and influencing ability.
• Commitment to quality service.
• Effective decision making.
• Showing care and understanding.

Pay

• 37 hours a week = £38,428 per year
• 39 hours a week = £40,316 per year
• 41 hours a week = £42,834 per year

Benefits

• 25 days annual holiday (rises to 30 days after 10 years' service).
• Paid time off for public holidays and an extra privilege day.
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%.
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits.

Assessment Process

The recruitment process includes online tests and an online assessment centre. Applicants will be assessed on communication, quality service, decision making, caring and other core behaviours.

Additional Information

For any assistance or further details, contact the recruitment team at or email , referencing Job ID 19407.