Prison Officer job description

Job description of a Prison Officer

A prison officer has responsibility for the security, supervision, training and rehabilitation of people committed to prison by the courts. This includes motivating prisoners to do what is best for themselves and others around them within a safe and healthy environment.

In addition to their custodial duties, prison officers must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with prisoners, balancing authority with a large amount of understanding and compassion, in order to effect rehabilitation. The nature of the role demands the ability to think on your feet, make quick decisions and deal effectively with unexpected situations.

This Prison Officer job description example includes the list of most important Prison Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Prison Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Prison Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Prison Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

Assisting in prisoner reviews;
Being aware of prisoners’ rights and dignity and their personal responsibility;
Providing appropriate care and support for vulnerable prisoners and those at risk of self-harm;
Performing security checks and search procedures;
Taking an active part in rehabilitation programmes, including workshops;
Supervising visits and carrying out patrol duties;
Escorting prisoners;
Supervising prisoners, keeping an account of those in your charge and maintaining proper order;
Advising and counselling prisoners and making sure they have access to professional help if needed;
Employing authorised physical control and restraint procedures where appropriate;
Promoting anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies;
Assessing and advising prisoners;
Liaising with other specialist staff, including health and social work professionals;
Writing prisoner reports.
Taking care of prisoners’ property;

Prison Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Prison Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

High School Diploma
Strong interpersonal skills, including assertiveness and self-motivation
Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to get on with a range of people
Personal integrity and resilience
Organisational skills
The ability to remain calm under pressure
Self-confidence and emotional intelligence
Physical stamina
Have good eyesight and hearing.
Leadership potential and the ability to take responsibility
Team working skills and the ability to learn from others
Effective decision-making skills
A commitment to quality and awareness of how prisons fit within the wider criminal justice system and the community in general.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Prison Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Prison Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Prison Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.

Prison Officer Job Description

Job description of a Prison Officer

Prison Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Prison Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

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