Prison Custody Officer

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Working as a Prison Custody Officer isn't easy but can be hugely rewarding. Staff face fresh challenges each day ranging from care and support to control and security issues.

Our aim is to protect the public by keeping prisoners in custody and working with them to reduce the chance of them re-offending on release.

Our challenging regime is designed to address prisoners' offending behaviour, to give them choices and the chance to gain valuable life skills. People like you can help us continue this good work.

As a Prison Custody Officer, you will play a crucial part in caring for over 1,400 prisoners in safe and decent conditions. You will have the chance to work with 15 year old children, older teenagers and adults from age 21 to OAPs.

You will assist with resettlement opportunities by properly preparing prisoners for their release from custody. In addition to custodial duties, our staff are required to build and maintain dynamic security relationships with prisoners under their care.

This is a complex and challenging balance of authority that requires understanding and compassion. Qualifications aren't essential, life experience is far more important, as is the ability to remain calm and deal with all kinds of people in a non-judgemental, mature manner.

To manage the security and control measures as detailed within the local security strategy and contribute fully to the security intelligence procedures.
Compliance with all operational policies and standards.
To meet prisoners immediate and longer term needs ensuring that they are treated fairly, decently and without prejudice.
Undertake the role of a personal officer, properly engaging with the prisoners in your charge, assisting with the sentence planning process and empowering prisoners to take ownership of their resettlement needs.
As a personal officer you must notice what is happening in the wing and be sufficiently attuned to the complex rhythms of prison life. You must also be able to put yourself in the prisoners shoes and see things from their perspective, and earn the respect of the prisoners by displaying a fair and consistent approach, and giving sound and disinterested advice whilst maintaining confidentiality.
Comply in full with safer custody procedures ensuring that those prisoners identified as being at risk receive appropriate support and assistance, encouraging prisoners to talk through their issues and assisting in case conferences, arranging family support, etc in line with published policies and procedures.
Contribute to the violence reduction policy, ensuring zero tolerance with regards to bullying, supporting victims and taking appropriate action to eradicate violence in line with operational policies and procedures.
Supporting diversity and race equality ensuring that equal opportunities are available to all.
To maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within the establishment including the supervision of cleaners.
To deal with prisoners applications appropriately and try to resolve matters at scene promptly and in full.
To deal with prisoners requests and complaints appropriately and in line with operational guidance, including HDC, ROTL, Parole and re-categorisation.
To ensure that prisoners are aware and encouraged to make full use of the regimes, programmes and resettlement facilities available to address offending behaviour and prepare for release.
Take an active part in the rehabilitation programmes for prisoners.
To adhere to the published regimes of the prison, including searching procedures, wing routines, supervision of prisoners, serving of meals and the control of prisoner movement.
Completion of appropriate documentation to provide auditable records of checks and control measures conducted.
Completion of accurate, fair, just and perceptive reports.
Take reasonable care of themselves and others affected by their acts or omissions. Co-operate with management for health and safety issues. Report all accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences. Report any condition that constitutes a risk to health and safety. Carry out their duties as trained or instructed. Use PPE and not interfere with anything provided for their protection.

JOB HOLDER SPECIFICATION

Experience of working within a custodial or care environment would be advantageous but not necessary

Personal Qualities

Good communication and interpersonal skills
Resilience and flexibility
Ability to cope in a pressured and disciplined environment
Strong team player
Professional disposition and integrity

Enhanced DBS checks will be undertaken on all candidates.

Vibe Recruit is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.