Operational Support Officer, Ministry of Justice, Portsmouth – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking an Operational Support Officer in Portsmouth, a crucial role within HM Courts & Tribunals Service. This position is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants in the UK or overseas applicants seeking to relocate, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for eligible candidates. The role offers a salary of £25,582, with options for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements.

Job Description

As an Operational Support Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of court proceedings at Portsmouth Crown Court. Your responsibilities will encompass providing excellent customer service and administrative support to court and tribunal users, judiciary members, and management. This includes preparing papers and files for court, tribunals, hearings, and meetings, processing sensitive information, and accurately recording outcomes digitally.

You will be a key point of contact for court users, including potentially vulnerable witnesses and their legal representatives, requiring strong communication skills and an empathetic approach. The role also involves supporting the efficient running of courtrooms, which includes usher duties, managing court video link technology, and liaising with stakeholders such as the Police, Probation Service, and Solicitors.

Requirements

• Demonstrable strong customer service skills within a service-led, customer-facing environment.
• Proficient digital and administrative skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and organisational abilities, capable of confident interaction in person, over the telephone, digitally, and in writing.
• Resilience and empathy to handle sensitive information and challenging situations appropriately.
• A collaborative team player, able to work flexibly to achieve HMCTS objectives.
• Applicants must either possess the legal right to work in the UK or meet the specific Skilled Worker visa eligibility criteria as outlined, particularly regarding holding a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22nd July 2025.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of £25,582.
• Opportunities for flexible working, including part-time, job share, and hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow.
• A chance to develop a career with a real purpose, contributing to public service and making a difference in people’s lives.
• Access to comprehensive training and development within the Ministry of Justice.
• Generous annual leave and a Civil Service pension scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Operational Support Officer role, preparation is key. Focus on crafting a polished CV that highlights your customer service, administrative, and organisational skills, ensuring it aligns with UK employer expectations. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect these competencies and demonstrate your commitment to public service, which is highly valued by the Ministry of Justice.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss how your experiences align with the specific duties, especially those requiring resilience and empathy in sensitive situations. Crucially, if you require visa sponsorship, be prepared to raise this proactively during vetting checks, referencing your Skilled Worker visa history if applicable, to ensure your eligibility is assessed according to the latest immigration rules and transitional provisions.

• Ensure your CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate strong customer service and administrative experience, using UK-centric terminology.
• Practice articulating how you handle sensitive information and difficult customer interactions, showcasing empathy and professionalism.
• Familiarise yourself with the UK justice system's basic structure to show genuine interest in the role's context.
• Prepare to discuss your right-to-work status or visa sponsorship needs confidently, especially if you held a Skilled Worker visa before July 22, 2025.
• Refine your digital skills, as the role involves creating and updating records digitally.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates, explicitly open to foreign and overseas applicants who need a UK work visa. However, it's crucial to note that this role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas under recent rule changes, unless you have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22nd July 2025. If your immigration status is borderline or you believe you meet the transitional provisions, ensure you raise this during your vetting checks for a thorough assessment.