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- Tasks: Manage a library, support literacy, and lead a team in a prison environment.
- Company: Join South Gloucestershire Council and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with training opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Empower prisoners through literacy and learning while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Library qualification or relevant experience, plus strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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Overview
Working at HMP Leyhill, Tortworth, you will manage a well-stocked library and support literacy, learning and rehabilitation within the prison community.
What You Will Be Doing
- You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the library, leading a small team of part-time Prison Library Assistants and prison library orderlies. Together, you will organise, maintain, develop and promote the library service provided for prisoners.
- Coordinate the service development and promote library engagement initiatives, organising reading and literacy programmes tailored to the prison community and liaising with colleagues in the prison.
- You will select and purchase library materials to meet the needs of prisoners and manage a small stock budget.
- Monitor the use of the service by collection of statistics and regularly report to the Library Services Manager and prison colleagues.
- Undertake the physical aspects of the job including shelving and counter work, lifting and carrying books and other materials and unpacking and packing crates from deliveries.
What We Need From You
- Hold or be working towards a relevant library and information qualification, such as MSc Library and Information Management or equivalent professional experience in a similar area.
- Experience working in a library environment, delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service.
- Ability to manage staff, including supervision, training, recruitment and development of a team.
- Self-motivated, able to use initiative, manage and prioritise personal workload and priorities and have good organisational skills. Excellent IT and digital skills.
- Good interpersonal skills including communication, influencing and negotiating to communicate with a wide range of people to solve issues and identify solutions.
- Although not essential, experience of working in a prison, public or education library is desirable.
What You Need To Know
- Your salary is pro-rata to hours worked.
- You will be working in a Category D open prison and must comply with security procedures and undertake appropriate training. HMPPS vetting and clearances will be required for this post.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
Interviews will be held on Friday 26th September 2025.
How a Career At South Gloucestershire Council Is Different
- As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and access to a range of staff discounts.
- We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of merit and abilities.
- We invest in training and development to help staff grow, and we support innovation with technology to help staff do their jobs effectively.
- Office-based, you’ll be part of a team with access to specialist expertise and support.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, providing the necessary skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond to potential abuse or neglect.
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here.
To view the full job description, please click this link: Prison Librarian – Job Description
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Prison Librarian employer: South Gloucestershire Council
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison environment! Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities of working in a prison library. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former prison librarians on LinkedIn or at industry events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about job openings before they go public.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you'd handle specific scenarios in a prison library, like promoting literacy among inmates or managing a diverse team. Practising these responses will boost your confidence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, you'll get access to exclusive resources and support from us at StudySmarter to help you land that Prison Librarian role!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Prison Librarian role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting literacy and rehabilitation in the prison community.
Showcase Your Experience: If you've got experience in library management or working with diverse communities, shout about it! We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage a team and engage with various stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire Council
✨Know Your Library Stuff
Make sure you brush up on library management principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of a prison library, including how to promote literacy and learning in that environment. Being able to discuss relevant programmes or initiatives will show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your experience in leading and developing staff. Think of examples where you've successfully trained or motivated a team, especially in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Communicate Effectively
Good interpersonal skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would engage with prisoners and colleagues. Highlight any past experiences where you’ve had to negotiate or influence others to achieve a positive outcome.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about the physical aspects of the job, like shelving and handling books. Be honest about your capabilities and share any relevant experiences. Showing that you're prepared to get hands-on will reflect your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.