At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library activities, encourage reading, and assist prisoners in their educational journey.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at HMP High Down, making a difference in lives.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rehabilitation while fostering a love for reading.
- Qualifications: Passion for reading, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12526 - 12526 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of 12,526 per annum, based on an 18 hour working week. We are looking for enthusiastic and self‑motivated Library Assistants to join our dedicated team, based at HMP High Down library. Our prison libraries aim to provide an accessible service with a focus on expanding knowledge, finding pleasure in learning, developing crucial literacy skills and enabling effective rehabilitation. It also promotes reading as a source of pleasure and provides prisoners with opportunities for wider cultural engagement. Equipping prisoners with reading skills allows them to embark on a path towards reintegration into society.
Our Offer to You:
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Role:
The libraries are managed by one Prison Librarian, supported by Senior Prison Library Assistants, Prison Library Assistants and Prisoner Orderlies, working alongside HMP departments in the prison and SCC Library Service. The team also work closely with the education department and partner agencies to provide an integrated Library service. This is a challenging but highly rewarding role in a busy prison library. Enthusiasm for reading and learning is essential. As part of the library team, you will play a key role in encouraging prisoners to use the library effectively for educational, recreational and legal purposes. Prison libraries also encourage inmates who are parents to share books with their children to maintain positive links by helping them record stories to send home and assisting at family days.
As Prison Library Assistant, you will support to run a lively events and activities program, including book groups, writing groups, reading initiatives such as Reading Ahead and author events. You will also assist in running the Shannon Trust 'Turning Pages Program' for developing readers. You will be expected to work on your own initiative, helping take responsibility for the library in the absence of the Prison Librarian, including supervising the Prisoner Orderlies. You will also be required to adhere to all prison security guidance and attend training as necessary. This role will work Monday 8:30‑4:30, Tuesday 8:30‑4:30, and Friday 9:00‑12:00.
Qualifications:
- A passion for reading and learning, and enthusiasm for the challenges of working in a prison environment
- Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure in a sometimes‑volatile environment.
- A customer focused approach to your work
- An ability to work using your own initiative as well as part of a team
- High‑level interpersonal skills and positive working attitude towards training and development
- Experience of using IT systems
Local Government Reorganisation:
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment:
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Prison Library Assistant. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At HMP High Down, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our staff in making a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including up to 31 days of holiday and a local government pension, we offer ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in a role where your passion for reading and learning can truly transform lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in a unique environment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Library Assistant. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison library environment! Before your interview, do a bit of research on HMP High Down and its library services. Understanding their mission and how they support prisoners can really help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for reading and learning! During your interview, share personal stories about how books have impacted your life or how you've helped others discover the joy of reading. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your resilience! Working in a prison can be challenging, so think of examples where you've stayed calm under pressure or handled difficult situations. This will show that you’re prepared for the unique challenges of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Library Assistant. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Reading:Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for reading and learning in your application. We want to see how you can inspire others to engage with books, especially in a prison environment where it can make a real difference.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re all about.
Highlight Your Resilience:Working in a prison library can be challenging, so it’s important to showcase your resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure. Share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Prison Library Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the importance of promoting reading and learning in a prison environment, as well as the specific programmes mentioned in the job description, like the Shannon Trust 'Turning Pages Program'.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for reading and learning during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for books and how they can positively impact lives, especially in a rehabilitation context.
✨Prepare for Challenges
Be ready to discuss how you would handle the unique challenges of working in a prison library. Think about scenarios where you might need to remain calm under pressure and how you would engage with prisoners to encourage their participation in library activities.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Initiative
Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you've taken initiative or collaborated effectively, especially in environments that require a customer-focused approach.
