Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside

Prison Officer - HMP Swaleside

Address: HMP Swaleside, Brabazon Rd, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey ME12 4AX

Location: Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey (Sittingbourne, Isle of Sheppey; Kent, Surrey, Sussex)

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

Initial training: 37 hours a week. After training, choose 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Prisons operate 24/7, so shifts include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. Average shift pattern: 39 hours a week.

Pay & Benefits

• 37 hours a week = £37,246 per year
• 39 hours a week = £39,375 per year
• 41 hours a week = £41,503 per year

All salary figures include applicable allowances.

• 25 days' annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service)
• Paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
• Cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

Key Responsibilities

Prison officers protect the public and help make an impact on prisoners' lives. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining safety and security within the prison environment.
• Working as part of a team to support colleagues and uphold safety standards.
• Building constructive, positive and professional relationships with prisoners.
• Acting as a peacekeeper, counsellor, or teacher as required.
• Providing support in shifting scenarios and dealing with challenges in a high security setting.
• Adapting to various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Maintaining compliance with the mandatory safety and security procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least 18 years old at the start of employment.
• Meeting Civil Service nationality requirements.
• Pass a medical and fitness assessment, including eyesight and hearing tests.
• For Category A high security, be a UK resident for the last 3 years.
• Possess good communication and influencing skills.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality, care and understanding.
• Maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK.
• Acceptable tattoos: permitted if not offensive, discriminatory, violent or intimidating; facial tattoos generally not acceptable unless cultural, religious or medical.

Travel & Transport

Some prison establishments are in rural locations with limited public transport. A driving licence and own transport are beneficial but not essential unless specified.

Eligibility - Nationality Requirements

• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK
• EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein nationals and their families with settled or pre settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members with accrued right to work in the Civil Service

Assessment Process

Your application will be evaluated through stages of online tests, assessment centre and medical/fitness screening. Successful completion of the assessment centre will result in an immediate offer if a vacancy is available, otherwise a reserve listing.

Equal Opportunities

This job is open to all who meet the qualifications and can fulfil the essential duties. The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer.