Customer Advisor

Dorset Council; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government entity in Blandford Forum is offering a work experience placement in their library services. This role provides students the opportunity to gain customer service experience, engage with the community, and develop valuable skills. Responsibilities include assisting library users, supporting events, and improving teamwork and communication skills. Students will benefit from workplace confidence, networking opportunities, and valuable references for future job applications. The position requires enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, making it perfect for aspiring candidates interested in community service.

Benefits

Experience in customer service

Valuable references for future applications

Qualifications

• Enjoy working with others as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to support the community.
• Willing to develop and learn new skills.
• Willing to listen and engage with people.

Responsibilities

• Provide a friendly welcome to all customers using the library.
• Help library users access and use stock, information, computers, and other services.
• Support customers using the Customer Self Service machines.
• Assist with events and activities within the library.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service orientation

Enthusiasm

Motivation to learn

Education

Students in year 10-13

Job description

The Dorset Library Service consists of 23 libraries alongside a 24/7 online service. The library teams work towards our mission to Inspire, Enable and Connect our communities through our services. We do this by providing access to books, information, and technology such as public computers and iPads and raising awareness of the service. Alongside this we deliver a wide programme of events and activities for all ages and provide a welcoming environment for all members of the community.

About The Role

This role aims to give students an insight into the running of our libraries, learn new skills, increase confidence and support their decision making towards future careers. There are opportunities to engage with customers and support enquiries, which can range from locating stock within the library to accessing the internet and finding information. There will also be opportunities to be involved in planning and running activities that are part of our events programme such as Craft and Lego activities. You will also be able to support with creating content suitable for our social media. For this role you will work from Blandford Library.

Who can apply

Students in year 10-13

Key Responsibilities

• provide a friendly welcome to all customers using the library
• help library users access and use stock, information, computers, and other services
• support customers using the Customer Self Service machines
• undertake duties associated with providing a library service such as stocking displays and shelving
• assist with events and activities within the library
• promote services to customers

About You

• enjoy working with others as part of a team
• enthusiastic and motivated to support the community
• willing to develop and learn new skills
• willing to listen and engage with people

This role is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in gaining experience in customer service and working with people while supporting your local community. You’ll develop transferable skills which are valuable in many different careers.

Support/Requirements

• Location: Blandford Library
• Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00
• Travel: Transport to and from the placement to be arranged by the student
• Meals/breaks: 1 hour lunch. Either bring a packed lunch, or you are welcome to walk into Blandford to buy lunch.
• Clothing: smart/casual, suitable clothing for working in a library environment

What will be expected of you

• follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines
• take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed
• follow instructions from your placement manager
• attend work at the agreed times during your placement
• stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do

What you will gain from a work experience placement

• confidence: get used to the workplace and build your confidence
• new skills: learn new skills or improve the ones you already have
• networking: meet new people and make professional connections
• CV boost: show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV
• references: gain valuable references for future job applications
• share skills: use your unique skills to help our team

About Us

At Dorset Council, we’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work, and visit. Working for us should be no exception. If you want to make a real difference in your community, a work experience placement with us is a great opportunity. Working in local government is rewarding and offers the chance to solve important challenges.

Why work with us

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents
• have ambitious aspirations and are excited about our future
• care deeply about Dorset and all the people who live here
• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success

Join us at Dorset Council and start making a difference in your community today.