Library Officer
Job introduction
Brighton & Hove Libraries are looking to expand our friendly, dynamic team. We are excited to offer the opportunity for you to become one of four new Library Officers (a mix of permanent and temporary positions), working a range of hours across all our libraries in the city.
For an informal discussion, please contact Ben King or Claire Nicholson – Libraries Services Managers on 01273 296953.
About the role
Do you enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds? Do you want to make a difference to people’s lives and help communities to grow? If so, we want to hear from you!
Our Library Officers do varied work and no two days are ever the same. We work with local communities, engage with and deliver activities for young people, and help adults across a range of services. Due to the nature of our people-focused, varied work, it can be challenging, but also very rewarding. Do you have the resilience to work with people with challenging behaviours?
We work with partner organisations and communities to deliver a range of services. Some activities you might get involved with are:
- Engaging with refugees
- Helping combat loneliness
- Facilitating access to money advice services
- Working with community groups
- Supporting people without access at home to computer facilities and broadband
There are also opportunities to take a leading role in one of our 12 community libraries - building links with local schools and community groups and keeping the library relevant and responsive to local communities.
All our posts involve some lone working with the public and so we are looking for self-motivated people who are happy to work on their own. We are also looking for flexibility as we sometimes have to work at different libraries at short notice.
We care about our staff, providing a continuous programme of management and peer led support. Likewise, as a Council employee you will have access to a wide range of welfare and wellbeing resources, including membership of self-managing staff forums and networks such as the BME Workers Forum and the Disabled Workers and Carers Network.
We have a track record of offering opportunities for career progression both within libraries and throughout the wider Council. Library Officers have previously moved into coordinator and library management positions, as well as being involved in exciting projects across the service. We also offer the opportunity for staff to work towards relevant qualifications.
Previous experience working within a library environment is not essential. A thorough induction programme covering library services, library stock and IT systems, lone working and customer service is provided for all new starters. Additionally, extensive ongoing training and support is a key part of the Library Officer role.
The posts and hours available are listed below (please note that the hours are fixed as the service needs to keep libraries open at advertised times):
Post 1 (29.5 hrs per week)
Monday 8:30am to 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am to 5pm
Thursday 9am to 5pm
Post 2 (27.5 hrs per week)
Monday 1.30am to 5pm
Tuesday 1.30am to 5pm
Wednesday 1.30am to 5pm
Thursday 8:30am to 7pm
Friday 8:30 to 5pm
Post 3 (31.5 hrs per week) Until 31st March 2022
Tuesday 8:30 to 5pm
Wednesday 8:30 to 7pm
Friday 8:30am to 5pm
Saturday 9.00am to 5pm
Post 4 (34 hrs per week) Until 31st March 2023
Monday 8:30 to 7pm
Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm
Wednesday 8:30 to 5pm
Saturday 9:00-12:30pm
Sunday 10:30-5pm
Additional information
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only.
Work Permits: This role does not meet the requirement for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Points-based Immigration System. Successful candidates will need to evidence that they have the Right to Work in the UK.
Company information
Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community but particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as male or trans as these groups are currently under-represented in our Directorate workforce.