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Job description

The majority of vacancies are operational CPO, however there are also a number of CPO vacancies within the Trades Departments across establishments for qualified Plumbers, Electricians & Joiners. Please note that the Supplementary risk allowance has increased to £4,284 What makes a person choose to be a Prison Officer? The role of a Custody Prison Officer (CPO) is both challenging and rewarding. It’s challenging as prisons are complex environments where many of the prisoners have a history of being involved in crime; some will also suffer from mental illness and addictions. It’s rewarding because you will have the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives as you challenge and support them to change; playing a key role in making Northern Ireland safer. If you believe you have what it takes to be a CPO (Operational) and/or CPO within the Trades Departments (Plumber/Electrician/Joiner), please apply. It’s not a job for everyone. But then, you’re not everyone.

Responsibilities

• Prisoner Engagement - Actively encouraging prisoner participation in regime activities and offender management activities. Effectively manage and supervise activities and movements ensuring people in our care attend activities on time.
• Sharing information as appropriate on prisoner behaviour /progress by directly reporting into sentence planning and risk management arrangements. Use every opportunity to discourage and challenge negative behaviour.
• Providing a Safe and Secure Environment - Support people to reduce their risk of reoffending through the implementation of sentence planning and risk management arrangements.
• Contribute to this work by liaising and sharing appropriate information with other staff and organisations operating in the prison.
• Initiating prisoner induction by committing them through reception. Support the principles of dynamic security by building positive relationships to create and sustain the flow of security information from prisoners to staff.
• Conduct headcounts, locking/unlocking routines, fabric checks, alarms, and ensure recording and reporting of same. Adhere to and implement safer custody policies and procedures.
• Maintain order and discipline by monitoring /supervising prisoners and taking appropriate action to address any issues which may arise. Contribute to briefings and handovers. Respond to emergencies in accordance with local Contingency Plans.
• Promoting Decent Custody - The list below is not exhaustive but gives a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.
• Promote the aims and values of the NIPS. Treat prisoners humanely and take care of their property, taking account of their human rights and dignity within the framework of Human Rights and Equality legislation.
• Process non staff related prisoners’ complaints, applications and grievances in accordance with the required timescales & procedures. Maintain systems & structures to promote confidentiality and the rights, responsibilities & diversity of people.
• Maintain required standard of cleanliness of residential areas and ensure prisoners maintain a high standard of personal hygiene. Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the prison regime on a daily basis through effective records.
• Shift work will be a requirement of the role.
• Support the Trades Senior Officer in the day to-day delivery of maintenance operations across the establishments, providing support and assistance as required working in conjunction with other allied trades... cont...
• In an efficient and effective manner and responding as necessary to any emergencies in accordance with local contingency plans.
• Support the Trades Senior Officer in the delivery of all allocated and planned inspections & reactive repairs, ensuring that the delivery of your tasks comply with the Safe Maintenance Policy and follow all mandated regulations operating at the time.
• Note: All CPO Trades staff must take on the operational CPO key responsibilities as and when required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must be a time-served qualified construction trades person (Electrician, Plumber or Joiner) in a construction related discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years experience in related discipline.
• Health & Safety literate.
• If required, hold a valid CSR/CSCS Safe Pass Card.

Further Information

Location of the posts: Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison, Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 17th July 2026 at 12 noon. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applications from Roman Catholics, females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcome for these posts. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC323228)