Casual Library Assistant - Prison Service

Job Title:

Library Assistant (Prison Library)

Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated Library Assistant to work at the Prison Library located at HMP Lewes. The role involves providing a welcoming, courteous, reliable, and efficient library service to prisoners and staff, responding to stock inquiries and reservations, facilitating group activities (reading groups and board games), and supporting new initiatives in partnership with local and national organisations.

• Deliver a customer‑focused library experience to prisoners and staff.
• Respond to stock enquiries and manage reservations.
• Facilitate group activities such as reading groups and board games.
• Support new library initiatives in partnership with local and national organisations.
• Maintain library standards and work in compliance with prison rules and regulations.

• Confidence, flexibility, diplomacy, and patience are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to relate to a diverse audience.
• Good ICT skills; library experience is not required as full training will be provided.
• Team‑player who works well both independently and collaboratively.
• Self‑motivated and willing to undertake manual handling tasks.
• Open to training and continuous improvement.

Applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services. Overseas police checks may be required for applicants who have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro‑rata if the position is part‑time or term‑time only.

We welcome applications from individuals who need sponsorship to work in the UK; please specify this requirement in your application. Reasonable adjustments will be provided for applicants with disabilities.

The selected candidate may be invited to interview during the week commencing 3 August 2026 or week commencing 10 August 2026 at County Hall, Lewes.