At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community and provide excellent customer service at Paddock Wood Library.
- Company: Kent County Council, dedicated to inclusivity and community support.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, training opportunities, health support, and work/life balance.
- Other info: Work 4 hours every Saturday with potential for diverse tasks across locations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a flexible work environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, outgoing, and great interpersonal skills; no prior library experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
The work of the library service is hugely rewarding and every day the front of house teams make a difference to the lives of their customers and local communities. Libraries have a lot more to offer than just books; with reading groups, talks and exhibitions there are activities for every age group – from Baby Rhyme Time to internet classes for older people.
To deliver all this, we need the right people serving our customers. Prior library experience isn’t essential – it’s much more important that you’re friendly, outgoing and approachable. If you enjoy working as part of a team and are passionate about delivering great customer service to the local community, we would love to hear from you.
Ideal candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills, feel comfortable meeting and engaging with the public and be able to undertake a diverse range of tasks. If you have a positive outlook and good personal resilience, then this could be the role for you.
4 hours per week every Saturday. You may be required to undertake periods of lone working, as well as working at other locations across the Tunbridge Wells Libraries district.
As a Kent County Council employee you will enjoy the following great benefits:
- 29 days annual leave rising to 30 after 5 years, plus bank holidays.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- A wide range of health and wellbeing support.
- Good work/life balance.
- Access to Kent Rewards scheme, with discounts and cashback from hundreds of companies.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants to previous Customer Support Assistant vacancies in the past 6 months who have been unsuccessful need not apply.
Interview dates: 3rd & 4th September 2026. Start date: To be confirmed.
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Customer Support Assistant - Paddock Wood Library employer: Kent County Council
Kent County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With opportunities for professional growth in the health and social care sector, employees can make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with disabilities while enjoying the benefits of working in a community-focused environment on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Support Assistant - Paddock Wood 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 Kent County Council 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 Kent County Council and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Support Assistant - Paddock Wood 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 Kent County Council.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about Kent County Council 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 Kent County Council
✨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 Kent County Council.
✨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 Kent County Council will surely appreciate.
