Prison Librarian - Sutton, United Kingdom - Surrey County Council

Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council
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Sutton, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description
Job Introduction

This role has a starting salary of £20,841 per annum, based on a 24 hour working week. The full time equivalent of this salary is £31,262 per annum.


We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Librarian to join our dedicated team as a
Prison Librarian at 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. Equipping prisoners with reading skills allows them to embark on a path towards reintegration into society.


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


This role manages the Prison Library and is supported by a Senior Library Assistant, two Prison Library Assistants and Prisoner Orderlies.

Working alongside HMP departments in the prison and SCC Library Service. In addition, you will work closely with the education department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service.


About the role
This is a challenging but highly rewarding role. Enthusiasm for reading and learning is essential.

Working independently, you will play a key role in encouraging prisoners to use the library effectively for educational, recreational, and legal purposes.


You will run a lively events and activities program, including book groups, writing groups, reading initiatives such as Reading Ahead and author events.

As well as this, you will promote family reading by encouraging prisoners to record a story to send home, arranging workshops and involvement in family days.


You will be expected to work on your own initiative, taking full responsibility for the library, including supervising the Library Assistants and Prisoner Orderlies.

In addition, you will work closely with the Education Department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service.

You will be expected to adhere to all prison security guidance and attend training as necessary. The role also includes heavy lifting and often requires being on your feet for long periods of time.

The library is open from 8:30 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 8:30 to 12:00 Friday.

RotaMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridayOpening hours8:30-16:308:30-16:308:30-16:308:30-16:308:30-12:00Librarian 24 hour8: :15-12: : :15-12:45- 4.5offShortlisting criteria

You will need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure in a sometimes-volatile environment.

We are looking for someone with excellent oral and written communication skills. You will have experience of supervising and mentoring staff with the ability to build positive working relationships.

  • What are your motivations for applying?
  • Why do you think it is important for Prisons to have libraries?
  • What do you think the challenges would be working in a prison environment?
  • How would you encourage prisoners to develop a love for reading and learning?
To be considered for this role your CV and answers to the above questions will be able to clearly evidence:

  • Enthusiasm for the challenges of working in a prison environment.
  • A customer focused approach to your work.
  • Ability to work using your own initiative as well as managing a team.
  • A passion for reading and learning.
  • Highlevel interpersonal skills.
  • A positive working attitude towards training and development.
  • Experience of using IT systems.
Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24/03/2024 with interview dates to be confirmed.

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