At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, manage book circulation, and deliver engaging story sessions for toddlers.
- Company: Join a dynamic library service committed to transformation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse perspectives; great opportunity for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be the face of our libraries and help shape the future of community services.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25959 - 25959 £ per year.
Permanent, Part Time
£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)
Location: Clacton on Sea
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Please note this role is part time, working 18.5 hours per week. Actual earnings based on these hours - £12,979 per annum.
Working days will be discussed at interview, however there will be a requirement to work at the library every Saturday. While this position is based at Clacton Library, the postholder will need to be able to work across all libraries within the North Area as required.
Interviews will be held 24th August 2026.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Come and join us in Libraries where we’re starting to reimagine what our libraries are going to be and help our present and future customers have the best experience possible. You’ll join a service that is undergoing change. Libraries around the UK are evolving to meet the differing demands of our customers. The demands are often different depending on the location of our Libraries, and this is where your knowledge will be invaluable. You’ll support with book circulation and issuing, signpost customers to different services and be our ears and eyes for what makes the difference to our customers. We want you to feel proud to play your role.
The Opportunity
Our Customer Service team are at the heart of what we do - they are the face of our libraries and our driving force. To join them you’ll need to be confident helping a diverse range of customers, with demands that change daily. We have an inclusive environment – your experience, your age and your perspectives are welcome in our team.
As a Customer Services Assistant, you will be required to work with children to develop and grow our audience in this key area of our business. Part of your responsibilities will be to deliver story and rhyme sessions to groups of parents and toddlers in a library setting. We would therefore like you to deliver a short 5 minute activity at the interview that enables you to demonstrate your ability to engage with children. This could include reading a short children’s story or sharing a children’s nursery rhyme.
Accountabilities
- First and foremost – you like helping people. If you’ve got some IT skills – self-taught or not, that’s ideal. We use self-service equipment, and our customers need your empathy and patience at all times.
- Deliver engaging story and rhyme sessions to groups of parents and toddlers in the library.
- Health & Safety is key to what we do. We’d like you to be the kind of person who sees things that need sorting and help sort them out.
- You’ll help with promotional activities – we generate income in all our libraries and value your ideas. Especially ones that can be rolled out across all Libraries.
- Assisting customers to use the library catalogue and learn to use the full library offer.
- Ensure seamless stock circulation and management, involving sorting, shelving, tidying, and handling reservations, fines, and membership activities.
- Data drives us – you’ll help us look at it in different ways, ensuring that we focus on the customer and staff to improve what we offer.
- Our smaller libraries have less staff, so we’ll ask you to help out with unlocking / locking up, and ask you to be a trusted keyholder.
The Experience You Will Bring
We welcome candidates with a diverse range of experiences and qualifications. Here’s a sample – what we’re interested in is if you are brilliant at the basics which include:
- Demonstration that you know how to use IT systems, or have the ability to learn.
- Customer service experience in any area.
- Confidence in speaking to our customers and signposting them to Library services, other parts of the Council services and our partner organisations.
- Enthusiasm and ideas.
- Enjoy working within a team to make us as brilliant as possible.
We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse community we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Together, let's create a welcoming and inclusive library experience for everyone.
Customer Service Assistant (Clacton Library) employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant (Clacton Library)
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like Essex County Counci and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at Essex County Counci and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Assistant (Clacton Library)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and Essex County Counci.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Essex County Counci and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress Essex County Counci.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which Essex County Counci will surely appreciate.
