Overview
West Sussex library Service is looking for a Library Officer to maintain the front-line service and supervise the library team ensuring a high level of customer care.
About the Job
Worthing Library is a busy and welcoming community hub located in the town centre, close to the museum, town hall, and borough council offices. It hosts a wide range of services, including Registration and Antenatal Services, the Find It Out Centre, the Schools Library Service, and the Business & Intellectual Property Centre.
The library also offers a variety of hireable spaces, including a lecture theatre that is regularly used for events and Saturday weddings.
We are seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a subject matter expert in coordinating teams of library staff, managing often complex enquiries from the public, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our libraries.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Library Manager and other senior library staff to passionately plan and deliver the service, and they may also find themselves engaged in inspiring county‑wide projects and initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Maintain front‑line service delivery to ensure a high standard of customer care.
- Apply knowledge of library policies and procedures to assist a diverse range of customers and colleagues.
- Coordinate medium‑sized projects by utilising analytical and creative skills to develop effective solutions and strategies, such as organising staff or volunteer training.
- Supervise and coordinate teams of library assistants and volunteers across one or more locations.
- Provide support at the helpdesk as needed, handling and processing cash and card payments, and using WSCC credit cards to order equipment and supplies while managing order or invoice reconcilation.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- A-level qualification or equivalent, such as NVQ level, AS levels, apprenticeship, or proven experience demonstrating similar levels of numeracy and literacy.
- Experience supervising staff in a customer‑facing or retail setting.
- Strong customer focus, delivering an effective and efficient level of service to a diverse group of residents.
- Excellent digital skills, enabling proficient use of and training staff in various library systems, including the library management system, self‑service kiosks, and Microsoft Office software.
- Good interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage effectively with children, families, and customers of all ages.
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities to effectively engage with the public and serve as a reliable source of information, advice, and guidance.
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, maintain a healthy work‑life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.
Benefits include 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part‑time) rising to 28 days after five years’ service, an excellent local government pension scheme, a wide range of discounts, and opportunities to buy additional leave.
Employment Details
Salary: £29,540 to £32,061 per annum (£28,342 to £30,761 pro rata for part‑time) with entitlement to Saturday Enhancement for working 7 hours 30 minutes for 1 in 2 Saturdays.
Contract type: Fixed‑term contract until 15 May 2027.
Working pattern: 35.5 hours per week.
Location: Worthing Library, Richmond Road, Worthing, BN11 1HD.
EEO Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and health check.
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 recruitment approach is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to give them the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with a disability, a veteran or a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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