Senior Library Assistant - Ford Prison Library

Overview

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

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

West Sussex Library Service currently delivers the library service at Ford Prison, funded by the Home Office. The prison library team provides lending services for books, CDs, and DVDs, a limited enquiry service, and supports specialist initiatives including Story Book Dads and Raising Readers.

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 recruited from the prison population and supporting the Team Manager in providing a customer-focused library and enquiry service.

Salary: £26,403 to £26,824 per annum, £12,844 to £13,049 (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 (18 hours per week)

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

Interview Date: Monday 29 June 2026

The role requires lone working within the prison library. The successful candidate will demonstrate a confident and professional manner, with the ability to remain vigilant and maintain awareness while working independently for extended periods.

Monday: OFF

Tuesday: 09:15am to 2:00pm

Wednesday: 09:15am to 1:00pm

Thursday: 09:15am to 6:00pm

Friday: OFF

Saturday: 08:30am to 12:00pm

It is not just about the books! We are seeking a candidate with excellent digital skills, capable of confidently using Library and HMPPS management systems to deliver an operational library service within a Category D prison.

You will work closely with prison staff, prisoners, and colleagues across the wider Library Service to deliver an inclusive, welcoming, and professional library service.

This is a unique opportunity for a confident and resilient individual to work in a distinctive environment where your contribution can make a genuine and meaningful difference every day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Day-to-day management of a small team, including allocating and checking work, delivering on-the-job training, and participation in the timetabling of the prison library assistants.
• Act as the main point of contact in the prison library, providing a customer facing enquiry service and delivering core library tasks such as issues, returns, renewals, and displays.
• Ensuring that opening and closing procedures are carried out efficiently; verifying that the building is securely locked and computers closed down.
• Addressing issues reported by colleagues, such as disputes with customers concerning book ownership or overdue library items in a calm and confident manner.

• 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 effectively 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.

We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life…