Prison Officer at HMP Stocken (Full-Time, Onsite)

Overview

HMP Stocken, located at 2 Stocken Hall Road, Stretton, Oakham LE15 7RD, is recruiting dedicated Prison Officers who will play a pivotal role in protecting the community and positively influencing the lives of prisoners. This career offers a unique, dynamic environment where individuals from various backgrounds work collaboratively to ensure safety and rehabilitation within the prison.

Role Responsibilities

In this position, you will perform multifaceted duties daily—from maintaining peace to providing counsel and support to inmates. You will be expected to build constructive and professional relationships with offenders, often during challenging moments of their lives, and work as part of a committed and resilient team to uphold safety and security standards across a 24/7 operational schedule, which includes shift work and weekends.

Candidate Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at employment start.
• Meet Civil Service Nationality requirements, including eligibility for UK nationals, Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth citizens, and some EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status.
• Physically fit and medically cleared, including meeting eyesight standards with or without lenses and adequate hearing without aids.
• Tattoos are generally allowed except those offensive or intimidating; facial tattoos are typically disallowed unless culturally or medically justified.
• Residence in the UK for 3 years is mandatory for roles in high security (Category A) prisons.

Additional Candidate Information

A driving license and personal transportation may be beneficial due to rural prison locations but are not mandatory. Candidates are responsible for punctual commute to fixed shift starts. An understanding of the Civil Service Code and rules concerning fair recruitment practices is essential.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication and ability to influence others effectively.
• Strong commitment to delivering quality service.
• Decision-making capabilities under pressure.
• Empathy, care, and emotional resilience.

Salary and Working Hours

Salaries reflect varying weekly hours after initial training, with options for 37, 39, or 41 hours per week:

• 37 hours/week: £36,928 annually.
• 39 hours/week: £38,816 annually (includes 20% unsocial hours).
• 41 hours/week: £41,334 annually.

The role operates on shifting schedules, including nights, weekends, and public holidays which also count as paid leave days. Additional paid working hours may be available.

Benefits

• Starting with 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years of service.
• Paid public holidays plus one additional privilege day.
• Civil Service pension scheme with employer contributions at 28.97%.
• Access to schemes like cycle to work and travel loans.

Application Process

Candidates will undergo a multi-stage recruitment process including online tests (judgement, numerical, and values-based), an online assessment center, and a mandatory medical and fitness evaluation held in the UK.

The recruitment is merit-based, with candidates ranked on scores and offered positions as vacancies arise. The merit list remains valid for 12 months, after which reapplication is necessary.

Diversity and Support

The Civil Service fosters an inclusive work environment supportive of veterans and individuals requiring reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants who need additional support during assessments are encouraged to request assistance well in advance.

Additional Information

Ensure ongoing legal rights to work in the UK throughout employment. Applicants should carefully consider transportation options given the prison's rural location. Contact and support details for recruitment inquiries are provided with official job references.