Operational Support Officer (OSO)

Job Introduction

Sodexo Justice Services is one of the leading providers of core custodial services, managing 5 prison establishments across the UK.

HMP Peterborough is the first purpose-built prison in the UK to house both men and women on the same site. This highly innovative prison is designed to a high standard of physical security. Sodexo Justice Services has ensured that the prison provides needs-based personal development services for both men and women.  January 2015 saw the completion of a new houseblock on the male estate which can house an additional 292 residents, along with an educational activities building.

Our work aims to facilitate offenders’ reintegration into the community, through the provision of education, employment and resettlement opportunities.

Recruitment process:

• Full completion of application form on Sodexo careers website by 7th June 2015.
• Psychometric testing will be emailed to you on 10th June 2015.
• Competency based interview: week commencing 6th and 13th July 2015.
• Start Date of course: 7th September 2015.
• Number of Jobs Available - 10.

Role Responsibility

Is this the job for you?

• The role of an OSO is fundamental in the running of the prison.  OSO’s are essential to the smooth, efficient and effective management of the prison and support colleagues and visitors across all aspects of the site.
• I can demonstrate that I have the interpersonal and communication skills to work with a number of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences and I will on occasion be required to deal with confrontation in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Ability to work within a very structured, repetitative and planned environment and working very closely within a large team
• Maintaining site security by controlling access at the gatehouse, searching vehicles and visitors and checking identification
• Controlling and issuing equipment to colleagues including keys and radios
• Ability to work under pressure and to perform an integral role within the control/CCTV room.  You will be the first point of contact for any incident that occurs within the prison and will monitor all movements and activities and this may mean you see things that are upsetting

We encourage you to truly consider your application and would ask you to review the statements below..

• I am aware that I will be working a 40 hour shift pattern, including antisocial hours, with set rest breaks. The shifts could be early, late, at night, during public holidays (Christmas and New Year) or at the weekend. I know I need to have considered an alternative mode of transport to get to work, if there are unforeseen circumstances; such as snow, my car breaks down or there is no public transport.
• I can work in a highly secure environment, wearing a uniform, under lock and key, without my mobile phone for a 12 hour shift.
• I realise my role is not to prejudge prisoners based on the crimes that have been committed or to punish further those that are in my care.
• I understand that when I start my role I will be on a mandatory Induction Training course, where I will not be given permission for time off and any module’s I may miss, could impact on whether I am able to pass the course.
• I understand that working within a prison I will need to undertake certain security checks, which will check my background and any spent or live criminal convictions.  I also understand that some convictions, whether spent or live, could have an impact on my future employment with Sodexo, these will all need to be disclosed straight away and also during my employment.

Package Description

Starting salary of £16708.08. Excellent benefits including free onsite parking, shopping discounts, pension and 28 days holiday.  40 hour shift pattern working week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Please note: initial communication will be via email, please monitor your junk and spam folders to ensure you are aware of next stage requirements.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.