Prison Library Assistant

This role has a starting salary of £11,237 per annum, based on an 18 hour working week (£22,475 FTE).

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Assistants to join our dedicated team. You will be based at HMP High Down Prison Library.

The prison libraries aim to provide an accessible service with a focus on expanding knowledge, finding pleasure in learning, developing crucial literacy skills and enabling effective rehabilitation. It also promotes reading as a source of pleasure and provides prisoners with opportunities for wider cultural engagement.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

The libraries are managed by one full time Prison Librarian, supported by two Senior Prison Library Assistants, Prison Library Assistants and Prisoner Orderlies. Working alongside HMP departments in the prison and SCC Library Service. The team also work closely with the education department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service.

About the Role

As part of the small library team, you will play a key role in encouraging prisoners to use the library effectively for educational, recreational and legal purposes. Prison libraries also encourage inmates who are parents to share books with their children to maintain positive links by helping them record stories to send home and assisting at family days.

You support to run a lively events and activities program, including book groups, writing groups, reading initiatives such as Reading Ahead and author events. You will assist in running the Shannon Trust 'Turning Pages Program' for developing readers.

You will be expected to work on your own initiative, helping take responsibility for the library in the absence of the Prison Librarian, including supervising the Prisoner orderlies. You will be expected to adhere to all prison security guidance and attend training as necessary.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure in a sometimes-volatile environment are required. This is a challenging but highly rewarding role in a busy Prison Library. Enthusiasm for reading and learning is essential.

Rota

This rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision to meet the needs of the library service.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be shortlisted for this role you will be able to evidence:

• Your passion for reading and learning
• Enthusiasm for the challenges of working in a prison environment
• A customer focused approach to your work
• Your ability to work using your own initiative as well as part of a team
• Your high-level interpersonal skills
• Positive working attitude towards training and development
• Your experience of using IT systems

As part of the application process, along with uploading your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions highlighting your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:

1. What are your motivations for applying? (150 words)
2. Why do you think it is important for Prisons to have libraries? (150 words)
3. What do you think the challenges would be working in a prison environment? (150 words)
4. How would you encourage prisoners to develop a love for reading and learning? (150 words)

Please note an enhanced vetting process will be required for this role and will be undertaken by the Prison Service before the successful candidate can start and takes around eight weeks.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 04/02/2024 with interview dates to be confirmed.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.