Do you have excellent people management skills?
Are you capable of effectively organizing staff and resources?
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.
Our libraries deliver essential community-based support, promoting the benefits of reading for everyone, offering a quality, trusted information service, bridging digital inclusion through supporting safe access to online resources, and curating a programme of events and activities that meet the needs of targeted audiences.
The role demands exceptional people management skills, a strong understanding of a library or customer service environment, and a keen ability to organise both staff and resources effectively.
Salary: £29,540 to £32,061 per annum, (£28,342 to £30,761 pro rata for part time) and 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
Interview Date:
Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.
Shifts: Wednesday 06 May 2026
Week 1
Monday 08:30am to 6:05pm
Tuesday 08:30am to 5:00pm
Wednesday 08:30am to 5:05pm
Thursday 08:30am to 6:05pm
Friday OFF
Saturday OFF
Week 2
Monday 08:30am to 6:05pm
Tuesday 08:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday 08:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday 08:30am to 6:05pm
Friday OFF
Saturday 08:30am to 5:05pm
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.
You can also watch a video tour of Worthing Library on YouTube.
We are seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a subject matter expert in coordinating teams of library staff, managing often complex inquiries 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.
It's not just about the books! We are looking for someone who understands the power of community and the importance of fostering a love for reading in people of all ages.
Your responsibilities will include:
- 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. Use WSCC credit cards to order equipment and supplies and manage order or invoice reconciliation.
The variety of our work means that no two days are the same. We get huge job satisfaction from helping everyone who comes through our doors, and you could too!
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.
For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.
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, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first-hand from some of our library staff here: Library Jobs at West Sussex Libraries
You will benefit from 25 days annual leave (pro rata for part time) rising to 28 days (pro rata for part time) after 5 years' service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers.
For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CPP01321.
Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.
Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
Struggling to apply?Book onto a Digital Support Session in a library near you to get help navigating our application form.
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 approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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