Operational Support Officer (OSO) at HMP Altcourse

Job Introduction

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 and part 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.

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.

Sodexo are responsible for 6 prison sites across the UK and Scotland and HMP Altcourse is our newest prison that we have just added to our portfolio! 

Sodexo’s vision for HMP Altcourse is to develop a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a surrounding culture of rehabilitation. 

An opportunity too good to miss

As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day.

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. And for that you’ll receive an excellent benefits package including access to gym facilities on site and a Blue Light card.

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 and can 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 from candidates from under-represented backgrounds.

If you have the ambition to build a successful career and the people skills to build successful relationships, apply now for a career that’s too good to miss.