At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a delivery van to distribute books and resources across Oxfordshire libraries.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, a trusted community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holiday allowance, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be fit, have excellent communication skills, and be able to drive large vehicles.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great learning and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
About us
Libraries in Oxfordshire are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. Our libraries offer a range of books, digital and other resources and trained staff to help our customers. We provide cultural and creative enrichment, promote reading and literacy and provide digital access and support for our users. Our aim is to help everyone achieve their full potential and to lead healthier and happier lives with greater prosperity and stronger, more resilient communities.
About the Role
We are looking for a Senior Casual Driver to drive a delivery van 7.5t/3.5t to Libraries / Homes throughout Oxfordshire. The Senior Casual Driver would be employed on a casual contract. The role would be based out of Library Support Services based out of Holton nr Wheatley (OX33). This casual driver role would be supporting both the internal delivery service, and the Home Library Service (where required).
You will be working in a small team, distributing books and other necessities to our network of libraries in Oxfordshire, enabling the delivery of library services to all customers. In this role you will be supporting Library Support Services and the Home Library Service in tasks that support the delivery of the library services to all customers.
- To operate the delivery service, including driving, picking, packing, unpacking, routine maintenance and clerical tasks.
- To assist the Stock Support Services or Home Library Service managers and their team leads.
- To drive the Home Library Service van as required and deliver a helpful and effective service to all users of the service.
- Receipting and Distribution in ensuring a high standard of service is maintained for the benefit of all customers.
- To assist in the general operations of Library Support Services and Home Library Services to provide support as may be required.
- To drive in a safe, fuel-efficient manner, observing all Road Traffic regulations appropriate to the vehicle being driven and to show appropriate courtesy to all road users and drive in a manner that promotes a positive image of the council.
- To carefully pack and unpack books and other items that are sent to and received from branch libraries in accordance with arranged schedules.
- To safely load and transport equipment and materials in accordance with arranged schedules to Cultural Services and Library Service departmental offices, service points and other locations, including external partners, as required.
- To complete routine vehicle maintenance, vehicle cleaning, routine checks and maintenance to ensure proper standards of road worthiness.
- To report all defects and ensure that servicing and tests are carried out in accordance with legal and safety requirements, under guidance from the Team Lead: Resource Distribution.
- To undertake clerical duties specifically associated with the delivery service, including maintaining vehicle record books and defect books as stipulated in departmental guidelines, under guidance from the Team Leads: Receipting and Distribution.
About you
You should have a flexible approach, be a team player and have excellent communication skills, with an ability to drive large vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes in weight. You should be in good health and fit to carry out full duties including being capable of lifting and handling in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
- Ability to communicate actively; listening, seeking the views of others and sharing information; ability to make clear decisions based on sound evidence and good judgement.
- Ability to work effectively both within a team and without constant supervision; ability to handle challenging situations (e.g. vehicle accident) in a calm and professional manner.
- Ability to support, develop and improve services which are responsive to customer and community diversity.
Rewards and benefits
It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact me for assistance at: oliver.lyon@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Casual Senior Assistant (Driver) in Oxford employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Senior Assistant (Driver) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the libraries in Oxfordshire! Familiarise yourself with their services and community impact. This will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves driving and handling books, practice your driving skills and think about how you'd manage deliveries efficiently. Show them you’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Senior Assistant (Driver) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Driving Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with driving large vehicles, especially if you've handled 7.5t or 3.5t vans before. We want to see that you can drive safely and efficiently while keeping a positive image of the council.
Team Player Vibes: Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Mention any past experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as we value teamwork in our library services.
Communication is Key: Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! Whether it’s listening to others or sharing information clearly, we want to know how you connect with people, especially in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Casual Driver. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of driving 7.5t/3.5t vehicles and the importance of delivering library services to the community. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in a small team, be prepared to discuss your experiences collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment, especially in challenging situations. Highlighting your communication skills and flexibility will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is key when driving and handling materials. Be ready to talk about your approach to safe driving practices and how you ensure compliance with road traffic regulations. Mention any previous experience with vehicle maintenance or safety checks, as this will show that you take your responsibilities seriously.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Library Support Services and Home Library Service. Ask about their goals for the future or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.