Operational Support Officer

Operational Support Officer

HMP Northumberland | Sodexo Justice Services

Salary: £27,276.60 per annum plus Sodexo benefits

Location: Northumberland, NE65 9XG

Contract: Permanent, Full Time. Night & Evening work required

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Must be 18 years old to apply

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

About the role

Are you professional, proactive and committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment?

Sodexo is looking for Operational Support Officers (OSOs) to join our team at HMP Northumberland.

As an Operational Support Officer, you’ll play an important role in supporting the safe and effective operation of the prison. You’ll help maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors and prisoners, while ensuring that everyone is treated with decency, dignity and respect.

This is a varied role, with opportunities to work across different areas of the prison, including Gatehouse, Control Room, Visits, Security, Stores and Residential Control areas.

You’ll need to be professional, observant and confident when dealing with people, while having the ability to respond appropriately to situations where safety, security or wellbeing may be at risk.

What you’ll be doing

As an Operational Support Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing effective operational support across designated areas of the prison.
• Operating and monitoring security and supervision systems.
• Carrying out security checks and search procedures in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Providing a professional, polite and high-quality service to visitors and members of the public.
• Acting as a professional first point of contact for visitors and official guests.
• Operating and accurately inputting information into Sodexo systems.
• Identifying and reporting potential security breaches, Health & Safety hazards, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager promptly.
• Supporting the safe and effective operation of the prison in accordance with local procedures and security requirements.
• Completing thorough handovers to incoming colleagues, ensuring they are fully briefed on recent and forthcoming events.
• Maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Undertaking other duties as required to support the effective operation of HMP Northumberland.

Operational Support – Nights

Where working within the night team, responsibilities may include:

• Working in accordance with established night procedures.
• Monitoring systems and processes that support the effective operation and security of the prison.
• Responding appropriately to contingency plans relating to security and control.
• Monitoring prisoners identified as being at risk at designated intervals.
• Patrolling residential and other areas as required.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to cell calls and other incidents during the night.
• Reporting any concerns or issues to the appropriate manager.

Operational Support – Stores

Where working within Stores, responsibilities may include:

• Ordering and issuing staff uniform in accordance with company procedures.
• Ensuring the timely delivery of stores to residential and support service areas.
• Obtaining signed receipts for items delivered within the prison.
• Maintaining accurate records of stock held within Stores.
• Operating a Just in Time (JIT) replenishment system.
• Monitoring stock levels and helping ensure essential items are available when required.
• Supporting the efficient and secure operation of the Stores function.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for people who are professional, reliable and able to work effectively in a security-focused environment.

You’ll need:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and a professional approach when dealing with visitors, colleagues and members of the public.
• A proactive approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• A positive and proactive approach to Health & Safety.
• The confidence and ability to challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately.
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team to a high standard.
• A proactive and systematic approach to tasks.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging or unexpected situations.
• Strong discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• A willingness to complete all mandatory training as required.
• The flexibility to undertake a variety of duties across the prison as required.
• The ability to follow procedures and instructions accurately.

You’ll also be required to wear the appropriate Sodexo uniform and name badge at all times.

About HMP Northumberland

Sodexo’s vision for HMP Northumberland is to create and maintain 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 support meaningful progress throughout a person's sentence and personal development goals, within a culture focused on rehabilitation.

As an Operational Support Officer, you’ll contribute directly to creating an environment where safety, security, dignity and respect are maintained for everyone.

You’ll also support the wider leadership team in delivering the vision for HMP Northumberland and ensuring the prison operates effectively in line with Sodexo’s corporate and local values.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our people are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues can develop their skills, build rewarding careers and feel supported both at work and in their personal lives.

When you join Sodexo, you’ll have access to a range of benefits, rewards and development opportunities, including:

• Wellbeing support – unlimited access to an online platform providing a range of wellbeing resources.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support with everyday issues and life's larger challenges, including legal and financial advice and support with work or personal matters affecting your wellbeing.
• 24-hour virtual GP service – access to convenient healthcare support whenever you need it.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme – access to great deals 24/7 across a wide range of popular retailers and brands.
• Pension Plan – helping you save for your future.
• Learning and development – access to a variety of learning and development tools to help you grow and succeed throughout your career with Sodexo.
• Bike to Work Scheme – supporting colleagues to stay active while making more sustainable travel choices.
• Enhanced benefits and leave policies – access to Sodexo UK & Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies, supporting colleagues across different stages of their personal and professional lives.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to join a professional team in a unique environment where your work can make a meaningful contribution to the safety, security and effective operation of HMP Northumberland.

You’ll work alongside colleagues across a range of operational areas, develop your skills through training and gain valuable exp