Senior Library Assistant - Billingshurst Library

Do you have great leadership skills?

Do you enjoy the challenge of problem-solving to sustain and improve front-line services?

Our staff make great things happen in libraries every day - inspiring readers of all ages, helping people get online safely and bringing communities together.

As a Senior Library Assistant, you will play a key role in this service, taking responsibility for supervising Library Assistants and volunteers, assisting visitors in accessing resources and delivering excellent customer support.

Salary: £26,403 to £26,824 per annum, £22,835 to £23,199 (pro rata for part time) and entitlement to Saturday Enhancement to working 4 hours 20 minutes for 1 in 2 Saturdays.

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: 32 hours per week

Location: Billingshurst Library Mill Lane, Billingshurst, RH14 9JZ

Interview Date: Monday 17 November 2025

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Shifts:

Week 1

Monday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Tuesday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Wednesday 12:00pm to 5:05pm

Thursday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Friday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Saturday OFF

Week 2

Monday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Tuesday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 09:00am to 2:00pm

Friday 09:00am to 5:05pm

Saturday 09:45am to 2:05pm

About the Job

Billingshurst is a small, welcoming library situated behind Sainsbury's on Mill Lane.

This position is attached to the Storrington group of libraries. The role is based at Billingshurst but you will be expected to attend regular senior staff meetings at Storrington and will have supervisory responsibility for Pulborough Library.

You will need be in regular communication with this tier 6 branch and pay visits to ensure Library Assistants are fully supported as they carry out their duties. You will also have key contact responsibilities within the wider Library Service.

We are looking for an individual with strong interpersonal and supervisory skills and are capable of effectively managing multiple tasks within a busy library community environment.

It's not just about the books! We are looking for someone who understands the power of community and the importance of fostering a love for reading in people of all ages.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Day-to-day management of a small team, including supervising staff and volunteers, delivering on-the-job training, and assisting with the recruitment and scheduling of volunteers.
• On occasion, working with challenging members of the public to solve more complex library queries such as dealing with overdue charges.
• Being the dedicated go-to person for customers at the library, effectively communicating with the public, assisting with their inquiries, resolving a range of issues, and providing guidance on library procedures.
• Ensuring that opening and closing procedures are carried out efficiently; verifying that the building is securely locked, terminals are properly shut down, and cash is stored securely.
• Addressing issues reported by colleagues, such as disputes with customers concerning book ownership or outstanding payments, in a calm and confident manner.

The variety of our work means that no two days are the same. We get huge job satisfaction from helping everyone who comes through our doors, and you could too!

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 4 GCSEs with 9-4 / A-C passes including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification/experience.
• European Computer Driving Licence or an equivalent qualification, or relevant experience demonstrating solid proficiency in digital systems and procedures.
• Experience working with the public and delivering a service that provides basic information, advice, and guidance.
• Proficient digital skills to effectively operate various library equipment, including the library management system, library-related applications (including electronic resources), photocopiers, and internet functionalities.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities to effectively engage with the public and serve as a reliable source of information, advice, and guidance.
• Good interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage effectively with children, families, and customers of all ages.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.

Rewards and Benefits

We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first-hand from some of our library staff here:Library Jobs - West Sussex

You will benefit from 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for part time) plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

The reference number for this role is CPP01222.

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Zoe Gaunt at

For issues or queries regarding your application please contact .

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.

Struggling to apply? Book onto a Digital Support Session in a library near you to get help navigating our application form (subject to availability)

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and a health check.

Equity, inclusion, and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.

RSi