Prisoner Services Assistant

Scottish Prison Service; Greenock; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A government organization is seeking a full-time Prisoner Services Assistant for a fixed term of 12 months at HMP Greenock. The role involves providing services to the prisoner population including processing wages, managing stock, and producing reports. Applicants must have a minimum of two National 5 qualifications, including English and Mathematics, or relevant experience. Strong numerical and communication skills are essential for this role, which supports the operational efficiency of the facility.

Qualifications

• Valid driving license (Desirable).

Responsibilities

• Collate, pack and distribute items ordered by prisoners.
• Maintain an effective stock management system.
• Input prisoner purchases and telephone transactions.
• Ensure stock and financial systems balance.
• Receive and check delivery of goods.
• Collection of sundry purchases from local businesses.

Skills

Ability to effectively prioritise workload

Good numerical skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Education

Minimum of two National 5 (or equivalent) qualifications

Job description

Prisoner Services Assistant - Fixed Term (12 months)

Vacancy Type: Temporary/Fixed Term

Duration: 12 months

Location: HMP Greenock

Pay Band: B

Closing Date: 26/01/2026, 12:00

Hours of work: Normal Office Hours

Full or Part Time: Full-Time

Weekly Hours: 35

Job Purpose

The post holder will provide an effective and efficient service to the prisoner population, including processing prisoner wages, collating and processing orders, stock management and producing reports.

Responsibilities

• Collate, pack and distribute items ordered by prisoners, ensuring all orders are accurately processed and sufficient funds are available.
• Contribute towards maintaining an effective stock management system and carry out weekly reconciliation of stock to ensure that stock systems balance.
• Collate and input prisoner purchases and telephone transactions on established computerised system.
• Ensure stock and financial systems balance, interrogate any discrepancies as they arise.
• Receive and check delivery of goods and physically transfer goods to the stock area.
• Collection of sundry purchases from local businesses, ensuring all orders are accurately processed and distributed and there are sufficient funds available in prisoners' personal accounts.

Person Specification

SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Competencies for Success Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are eight, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on those identified as key to role.

Qualification Requirements

• A minimum of two National 5 (or equivalent) qualifications, including English and Mathematics or relevant experience gained in a similar role and/or environment. (Essential)
• Valid driving license. (Desirable)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements

• Ability to effectively prioritise workload to meet departmental and organisational deadlines.
• Good numerical skills with the ability to analyse, interpret and report on a range of information.
• Good oral and written communication skills.