Library Assistant

The job itself

We are seeking a proactive outgoing individual with enthusiasm and commitment to assist in the provision of the library service at HMP Humber within the East Riding of Yorkshire. This post is advertised on a temporary part-time basis.

The Council Library Service is contracted to provide a library service to HMP Humber. HMP Humber is a Category ‘C’ Resettlement Prison that aims to provide positive resettlement options for those people sentenced within the local Contract Package Area. It provides a regime that is focused on the provision of purposeful activity, which aims to address the needs of the people in their care and help them to reduce their risk of reoffending once returned into the community.

The Head of Reducing Re-Offending manages the library contract and budgets at the HMP Humber and as such works closely with the library staff. As a team member you will be expected to take an active part in the promotion and role of the library in supporting education and training. Duties will include day to day running of the prison library, enquiry work, maintenance of stock, support of promotional and reader development activities.

The role can be physically demanding and involves moving around the workplace, assisting customers, moving library stock to and from shelves, restocking display areas, loading/unloading of small crates of library materials/book stock.

You must have excellent customer care skills and a genuine interest in working within a diverse prison community, which includes ethnic minorities. Interpersonal and problem-solving skills are important, as you will be expected to communicate with all the prison population including staff and other agencies working within the prison. You must be dynamic and motivated, able to work within a team and be willing to embrace change. Experience and knowledge of ICT applications are essential.

Working hours are on a 2 week rota, average 17.25 hours per week:

• Week 1: Monday 7.75 hours, Tuesday 7.50 hours = 15.25 hours
• Week 2: Monday 7.75 hours, Tuesday 7.50 hours, Friday 4.00 hours = 19.25 hours

The post is subject to both a satisfactory prison security clearance and a medical clearance. For an informal discussion about this exciting and challenging opportunity please contact Mrs Sheron Gibbins Librarian.