Operational Support Officer (OSO) - HMP Altcourse

Job Introduction

Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging role in a dynamic and diverse environment? Do you have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills? Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of staff, visitors, and residents at HMP Altcourse?

If yes, then we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Operations Support Officer (OSO).

What we are offering:

• Salary of £26,734.51.

• Both day and night shift patterns available.

• Night shifts are 7 days on and 7 days off.

• Full time contracts available.

• Full paid training provided.

• Please see attached benefits guide for a full overview of what we have to offer!

Operational Support Officer (OSO)

It’s what’s inside that counts

Speak to any of our OSOs and they’ll tell you the same thing. The most important thing you can bring to the role isn’t previous experience in this environment. It’s having the people skills to engage with and manage the people you look after.

As an Operations Support Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors and residents where everyone is treated with decency, dignity and respect. You will also create, maintain, and promote an environment which demonstrates an adherence to safety and security.

It’s also about your appetite for learning and your ambition to build a career. So, whether you are from the Forces, Social Care, Support Work, Teaching, Retail or anywhere else, if you want a change in life that could change your future, take a closer look at Sodexo.

An environment like no other

Working in a prison is unlike any other career. You will be able to challenge with humility and remain professional at all times. You would also be expected to build rapport with all colleagues and visitors whilst remaining respectful. Overall, you would be an ambassador for HMP Altcourse and Sodexo, as you are the first and last person each visitor and member of staff will be on their visit.

Please see the attached job description for a more detailed list of the main responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

Great PCOs are the backbone of our business and play an important part in the smooth operation of our prisons. Every PCO will play a key part in prisoners’ lives, offering them support and encouraging them to change their lives for the better. 

Does this sound like something you’d like to be part of?

Key attributes we look for aren’t all about qualifications and employment history but more about who you are and the values you live by. Below are some of the key attributes and characteristic we typically look for:

• High level of interpersonal skills.
• Has a proactive approach to Equality and Inclusion.
• Has a proactive approach to Health and Safety.
• Willingness to challenge inappropriate behaviour in a calm and reasonable manor. 
• Ability to perform tasks alone or in a team to a high standard without constant supervision.
• Proactive and systematic approach to tasks.

An incredible training program

Worried about getting started and whether you would be equipped enough for the role? Don’t worry, we always want you to be comfortable and confident at work so ALL training will be provided! 

Getting you up to speed and equipping you with the tools to do your job happens over a four-week training programme. This is where you’ll develop the necessary skills to work independently as an OSO. From shadowing more experienced colleagues, to understanding how to deal with conflict, you’ll be ready and prepared for every day going forward.

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.