Community Services Officer (Libraries)

North Somerset Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Library Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term position at Yatton Library, focusing on community engagement and event leadership. Ideal candidates will possess strong customer care and IT skills, with the flexibility to work varied hours across two weeks. This role involves leading activities and providing assistance in a busy library setting. The assistant will contribute significantly to local cultural initiatives and literacy efforts.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive staff groups

Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and hard-working with excellent customer care skills.
• Ability to lead activities with support from volunteers.
• Valid driving license and own transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide information to the public in a busy environment.
• Lead community activities at the library.
• Handle stock and ensure safety during operations.

Skills

Customer care skills

IT and digital skills

Leadership in activities for children

Tools

Library Management System

Microsoft applications

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high‑quality services to our community. We aim to create a fair, green, and inclusive environment for all residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

This is an exciting fixed‑term opportunity for an enthusiastic and hard‑working individual to join our busy library team. You should be confident, well‑organised, and possess excellent customer‑care skills with a calm and confident approach to unexpected or challenging situations. The role involves working closely with the whole community, providing information to the public in a busy environment.

Yatton Library and Children’s Centre hosts a busy calendar of events, including rhyme times, story times, school visits, children’s activity clubs (lego, colouring, craft), and digital and family history support. The postholder will lead some of these activities with support from volunteers.

Experience of library work is not essential, but we value a passion for the role of libraries in promoting reading, literacy, and culture. We welcome applicants eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment. IT and digital skills are essential as the postholder will use a Library Management System and Microsoft applications, and help customers use online services and troubleshoot tech issues. Experience delivering customer service and facilitating activities for children is also essential. The position requires the ability to meet physical demands such as stock handling and floor walking.

This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or the ability to provide an alternative suitable method of transport, is an essential condition for this role.

This is a fixed‑term post for 12 months. Please note that you will start at the lower end of the salary scale unless transferring from an internal role at the same level.

Work Style

The postholder will be based at Yatton Library and Children’s Centre but may occasionally be required to work at any other North Somerset library.

Hours are 16 per fortnight, worked on a two‑week cycle as follows:

• Week 1: Monday 9:30‑1:00, Tuesday 9:30‑5:00, Thursday 9:00‑1:00.
• Week 2: Monday 9:30‑1:00, Tuesday 9:30‑5:00, Thursday 9:00‑1:00, Saturday 9:00‑1:00.

You will also be required to attend a monthly team meeting at 08:30 am on the first Tuesday of the month and occasional training sessions on other days by arrangement.

About You

We are looking for an individual passionate about libraries and delivering excellent customer service. If this describes you and you want to make a difference—especially during times of change—please submit a supporting statement clearly demonstrating how you meet these criteria.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in‑house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary‑sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact at North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. Submit your application by 11:59 pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Julie Gorton, Community Services Supervisor, at [e-mail] or 01275 884 599 (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: 13 January 2026

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and cannot provide sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, or marital or partnership status. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.