Senior Library Assistant - Ford Prison Library

West Sussex County Council; England; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Library Assistant to oversee library services at HMP Ford. The role involves managing a small team, delivering quality customer service, and engaging with a diverse range of library users. Flexible working required, with various shifts including evenings and weekends. Ideal for candidates passionate about community service and libraries.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience delivering customer service to the public.
• Ability to engage effectively with a diverse audience.
• Experience using library-related applications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact within the prison library.
• Oversee a small team of Library Assistants.
• Provide a customer-focused library and enquiry service.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer service ability

Proficient digital skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

4 GCSEs including Maths and English

European Computer Driving Licence

Tools

Library management system

Photocopiers

Job description

Do you have experience of providing a high level of customer service?

Are you motivated by making a difference to communities?

Do you have great communication skills to help you be a trusted point of information and guidance when it matters most?

Our staff make great things happen in libraries every day - inspiring readers of all ages, helping people get online safely and bringing communities together.

As a Senior Library Assistant, you will serve as a primary point of contact within the prison library, overseeing a small team of Library Assistants and supporting the Team Manager in providing a customer-focused library and enquiry service.

Job Details

Salary: £26,403 to £26,824 per annum, £ 11,417 to £11,599 (pro rata for part time) and entitlement to Saturday Enhancement for working 3 hours 30 minutes 1 in 2 Saturdays

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Part-time (16 hours per week)

Location: Ford Prison Library Ford Rd, Ford, Arundel BN18 0BX

Interview Date: Thursday 27 November 2025

West Sussex Library Service provides the library service at Ford Prison, funded by the Ministry of Justice. Our busy library at HMP Ford delivers a wide range of library services including a book, CD and DVD lending service and an enquiry service for prisoners and prison staff. It also provides access to newspapers, magazines, puzzles, and library activities including ‘Raising Readers’ and a ‘Book Chat’ session to promote literacy.

About the Job

We are looking to recruit a Senior Library Assistant who is passionate about the important role that libraries play in society to join our Prison Library Team and work effectively alongside a range of prison staff, prisoners, and colleagues across the Library Service.

You will have the confidence to work in a unique environment where you can really make a difference, the successful candidate will receive support from the Prison Library Manager and will respond to day‑to‑day library enquiries and provide support to a small team of Library Assistants (recruited from the prison population). The duties of a Senior Library Assistant are wide ranging across many areas of the library service and include delivering a customer‑facing library service and high‑quality enquiry service.

Flexibility is essential, as one moment you might be assisting a prisoner with a simple internet or reference enquiry, and the next, you could be facilitating a heartfelt Story Book Dad recording, followed by managing the pay for a prison library assistant.

You will need to embrace the challenge of adapting to and responding to the evolving needs of the service.

The role will require lone working in the prison library, and flexibility to work evenings and alternate Saturdays.

The successful candidate will be required to work a regular pattern of shifts over 3‑4 days which includes alternate Saturday mornings. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate. Two approximate timetables are included below:

Sample Timetable A

Week 1

Monday 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 9:15am to 12:45pm

Friday 9:15am to 6:00pm

Saturday OFF

Week 2

Monday 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 9:15am to 12:45pm

Friday 9:15am to 6:00pm

Saturday 8:30am to 12:00pm

Sample Timetable B

Week 1

Monday OFF

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 9:15am to 4.30pm

Friday 9:15am to 6:00pm

Saturday OFF

Week 2

Monday OFF

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 9:15am to 4.30pm

Friday 9:15am to 6:00pm

Saturday 8:30am to 12:00pm

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 4 GCSEs with 9‑4 / A‑C passes including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification/experience.
• European Computer Driving Licence or an equivalent qualification, or relevant experience demonstrating solid proficiency in digital systems and procedures.
• Experience working with the public and delivering a service that provides basic information, advice, and guidance.
• Proficient digital skills to operate various library equipment, including the library management system, library‑related applications (including electronic resources), photocopiers, and internet functionalities.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities to effectively engage with the public and serve as a reliable source of information, advice, and guidance.
• Good interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage effectively with children, families, and customers of all ages. This includes supporting family fun days at the prison and reading to groups of children during story time sessions.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Rewards and Benefits

From access to our Employee Assistance Programme to training and development opportunities, we aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work‑life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first‑hand from some of our library staff here: Library Jobs – West Sussex

You will benefit from 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time) rising to 28 days (pro rata for part time) after 5 years' service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CPP01235.

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

Struggling to apply? Book onto a Digital Support Session in a library near you to get help navigating our application form (subject to availability)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, health check and HMPS Vetting.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.