Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs Assistant in Rotherham

Directorate: Regeneration & Environment

Permanent, part time, 22.5 hours per week.

Be part of something inspiring! Rotherham Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs are more than just places to borrow books; they are vibrant community spaces that provide people with places they come together to learn, create, and thrive. From boosting literacy and digital skills to hosting cultural events and supporting wellbeing, they are at the heart of stronger, happier communities. This is your chance to be part of a service that changes lives every day.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and professional individual with a genuine passion for reading, learning, and customer service to join our team in the Schools Library Service to deliver outreach work with schools and communities across Rotherham. You will play a key role in promoting literacy and learning by delivering engaging curriculum-linked sessions in schools using artefacts and presentation, supporting reading development and children's literacy through one-to-one reading sessions and storytelling in Special Education schools, and managing the logistics of our book and artefact loan service.

The role involves driving a 3.5 tonne van to schools across the borough to handle deliveries and collections, handling and shelving stock, and preparing resources for classroom sessions. You will be responsible for picking, packing, and managing book loan requests. Daily logistics such as responding to school enquiries and loading and unloading the van are key aspects of the role. Additionally, you will participate in delivery and collection weeks, which involve significant lifting and handling of materials. By carrying out your work efficiently and professionally and always putting our customers at the heart of everything we do, you will help us deliver an excellent service.

The role operates on a set rota designed to meet the needs of the service. Flexibility is essential, and the role includes evening and weekend working, attendance at outreach and promotional events, and occasional cover at other libraries across the borough. You will need to be confident, well-organised, and proactive, with excellent communication and ICT skills. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential, as is a flexible approach to service delivery. You will also take part in our service Champion work and be supported to develop your knowledge and activities for a particular area of delivery e.g. children and families, digital engagement, or community outreach.

In particular, we are looking for someone to join the team that has the following:

• Is passionate about reading, learning, and engaging with their local community.
• Motivated to provide excellent customer service, with strong communication skills and the ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
• Has organisational skills and can prioritise tasks while remaining customer focused.
• Has good digital skills and is confident in the use of IT to support customers.
• Can offer flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and across different sites as required.
• Enjoys working in a collaborative environment as part of a team and independently when needed.

You will be expected to work flexibly across Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs, including occasional evenings and weekends. A full UK Driving Licence is required, and the successful candidate must be willing to undertake a van driving assessment.

Additional Information

This post involves working with children/adults and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit our website.