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Job description

This recruitment exercise will be used to fill Night Custody (NCO) vacancies across allNIPS establishments throughout Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Prison Service welcome applications from people regardless of their religious belief, race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. We wish to ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments in accordance with our obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 to complete any of the assessments in this competition. If you have any questions, or require any documentation in an alternative format e.g.: braille, easy read, large print, audio etc. you should contact HR Connect on 0800 1 300 330 or email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 12 noon on Friday 20th November 2026. Please be advised late applications will not be accepted. Before completing your application form, please read this booklet carefully as it outlines the application and assessment processes. All appointments to the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Night Custody Officers are expected to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the NICS core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. We wish you every success in your application.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring that all areas within the residential accommodation and around the perimeter, are patrolled at frequent but irregular intervals throughout the night.
• Ensuring that any requests from prisoners are forwarded to the Night Manager immediately for appropriate action.
• Regularly reviewing prisoners who are subject to a Supporting Prisoner at Risk (SPARevo) and following any instruction contained therein and to record observations as necessary.
• Identify prisoners showing signs of distress or under the influence of illicit substances and take appropriate action to the situation including unlocking prisoners in the event of an emergency.
• Participating in cell relocation, using Control & Restraint (C&R) techniques if necessary.
• Applying fire, evacuation and night sanitation procedures, including the proper use of cell keys as required.
• Adherence to Governor’s Orders and Special Instructions as they apply to area of operation (including the maintenance of the Night Guard Journal).
• Promotes the aims and values of the NIPS.
• Treat prisoners humanely, taking account of their human rights and dignity within the framework of Human Rights and Equality legislation.
• Ensuring that all prisoners are observed at frequent regular intervals during time of duty.
• Supporting prisoners as required and ensuring that any irregularities or unusual occurrences are reported immediately to the Night Manager. Escorting prisoners outside the establishments as required during night duty.
• Completion of Progressive Regimes Earned Privileges reports on adverse prisoner behaviour and attitude during night duty. Undertake full Emergency Control Room duties as required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Tattoos: The NIPS recognises that having a tattoo does not necessarily prevent you from serving in or joining the NIPS. However, certain tattoos and their visibility may not be acceptable.
• Please see Candidate Information Booklet for further details.

Further Information

Locations on post: Maghaberry Prison, Magilligan Prison, Hydebank Wood College and Women's Prison (near Belfast) NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 20th November 2026 at 12 noon. Tattoos The NIPS recognises that having a tattoo does not necessarily prevent you from serving in or joining the NIPS. However, certain tattoos and their visibility may not be acceptable. We welcome applications from people regardless of their religious belief, race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.