The Irish Prison Service intends to recruit up to 250 Recruit Prison Officers in 2018.
This means that prisons like the ones in Portlaoise will see an increase in staff numbers very soon.
Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the campaign – with the deadline for applications set for 3pm on February 22.
Speaking about the campaign Minister Flanagan said: “I am delighted that the 2018 Recruit Prison Officer competition has now opened giving people the opportunity to join this very important frontline service.
“Being a Prison Officer is a very challenging and rewarding role. Prison Officers are required to undertake increasingly complex and diverse tasks, balancing the traditional security focussed role with a renewed emphasis on facilitating rehabilitation.
“Prison staff have the potential and the skills to positively influence prisoners to engage with the many services available in our prisons including training, education and addiction services and as a result our communities are safer.”
Speaking about the 288 positions to be filled by the IPS in 2018 the Minister said: “The positions to be filled by the Irish Prison Service will bring a wealth of new talent into our prisons especially in Dublin where they are to be based.
“In addition, their appointment will facilitate existing staff who have been based in Dublin and commuting to finally get a transfer to positions closer to their homes including the many prison staff from the midlands who have been looking to transfer back to the Portlaoise Campus.
“This will be a great benefit to our current prison staff, their families and their communities.”
The Minister also cautioned that working as a Prison Officer is not for everyone and that while the work is challenging candidates must have the capacity to relate and to engage with prisoners many whose life stories are unique and troubled with histories of mental illness, behavioural issues and addictions.
The Irish Prison Service is looking for individuals who have the capacity to relate to and engage with prisoners, act with professionalism, tolerance and humanity and the ability to role model positive social behaviour.
They must also have the ability to think on their feet in dealing with situations which require security and control.
Information on the competition can be found by visiting the Public Appointments Service website here and following the links. Further information is also available in the Information Booklet which can be accessed by clicking here.
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