Early Years and Bookstart Officer in Mansfield

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self‑motivated individual to be our Early Years and Bookstart Officer, managing a team of 2 direct reports and leading the development and delivery of early literacy programmes for children aged 0-4 and their families across the county.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the countywide Bookstart programme to ensure delivery to national standards and reaching every eligible child.
• Leading the planning and implementation of reading and literacy programmes for under‑5s to develop new audiences, encourage use of library resources and promote the value of literacy.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues in Inspire, Nottinghamshire County Council and partners in health and education to deliver services and maintain the quality of the Inspire offer.
• Monitoring and evaluating service performance and impact against agreed targets, and providing intervention where appropriate.
• Creating and contributing to relevant plans, ensuring the setting and delivery of appropriate targets and standards.
• Developing and delivering training for library staff and partner services to ensure effective delivery of library services to under‑5s and the Bookstart Programme.
• Carrying out any duties or tasks assigned by management to meet service needs.

Additional responsibilities:

• Responsible for the delivery of Bookstart in Nottinghamshire.
• Financial responsibility of delegated budgets of £10,000.
• Management responsibility for the Early Years Team comprising 2 direct reports.
• Demonstrate effective customer service skills in person, online, by email or phone.
• Respond positively to customer concerns and complaints, resolving issues within the limits of authority.

Qualifications and experience required:

• Professional qualification relevant to work with early years children at National Qualifications Framework/Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5 or above, or a graduate/postgraduate qualification in librarianship/information science.
• Knowledge of child development, particularly early literacy and language development, including government strategy for early years.
• Knowledge of the range of library services and an understanding of the role of libraries in promoting early language, literacy skills and lifelong learning.
• Experience of providing a senior‑level service to pre‑school children and their parents/carers in an early years, library or education setting.
• Experience of planning and delivery of services, leading staff and managing resources and performance.
• Experience of customer‑focused service delivery and working with partners.

Additional competency requirements (Level 3‑5):

• Communicating clearly and effectively in person, on the phone and in writing.
• Working collaboratively and maintaining effective relationships across the organisation and with external partners.
• Managing and supervising team activities, setting goals, reviewing performance and organising training.
• Using resources and time efficiently to meet service demand and targets.

Other information:

• Term: Contracted for 6 months from start date, with possible renewal on a 3‑month basis.
• Working hours: 23 hours per week including occasional weekend work.
• Location: Mansfield Central Library, with county‑wide travel to libraries and community venues (predominantly Ashfield, Mansfield & Bassetlaw districts). Home working supported.
• Interviews will take place on Monday 20th July at Inspire HQ, Glaisdale Parkway, Nottingham, NG8 4GP.

Inspire is committed to applying its Equality Policy at all stages of recruitment and selection. The selection process will be carried out without regard to disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, pregnancy and maternity or trade union membership.