This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council. About Us North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community. The Role This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, well organised and enthusiastic individual to join our team of staff and volunteers. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Community Service Officer to join our Portishead and Pill Library Group Team. The team are responsible for delivering library services to the communities of Portishead, Pill and the surrounding villages. This is a fixed term for a period of up to 12 months. In this role, you will be required to carry out a range of more complex activities working within existing procedures and routines with limited supervision. Roles at this level will require a broad knowledge and understanding of the work processes in the Libraries. You will resolve problems and queries, escalating the more complex to others. You will demonstrate excellent customer care skills to all service users to maintain a quality public environment. Key Responsibilities: You will have excellent customer care skills, including the ability to deal with unexpected and challenging situations. You will be passionate about supporting digital inclusion. Previous experience in Library work is desirable. You will have an interest in reading, literacy and culture and a willingness to promote stock and library services through creative displays and customer interaction. You will be ready to deal with the physical demands of the job, including stock handling and floor walking. You will be expected to work regular shifts on your own at Pill Library. Although Portishead will be your base, from time to time you will provide district cover so you must be able to reach other North Somerset libraries. You will be supporting customers face to face to access books and information, including council services, dealing with customer enquiries and signposting where necessary. IT and digital skills are essential as you will be using a Library Management System as well as Microsoft Office. You may be troubleshooting for yourself and will be helping customers struggling to get on in our digital world. We have an extensive calendar of activities and events including Rhymetime, Storytime, school visits, author events, library tours, family learning and digital support. You will be leading some of these so will be expected to deliver to small groups. This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. Work Style At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Fixed Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: Spends all of their time in the office/fixed location, due to nature of the work. About You We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Libraries, and who possesses the following skills and experience: Essential Criteria: NVQ level 2 or equivalent in literacy and numeracy NVQ level 2 or equivalent practical work experience to achieve the qualification in technical skills relating to the service area. Practical work experience to give a thorough understanding of the processes and practices required to ensure safe systems of work. Awareness and general understanding of the service area technical protocols, regulations and relevant legislation to include information sharing, health & safety, confidentiality and data protection, information governance. Ability to work and engage with all customers and possession of good customer care skills. Experience of working with computers and technology and ability to use databases, the Internet, e-mail and software packages including Microsoft Office. Awareness, understanding and commitment to North Somerset Council's Equalities Scheme A demonstrable interest in the service areas. Ability to respond appropriately to challenging and difficult situations. Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines. Ability to work flexibly using own initiative. What We Offer At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer: Competitive salary and benefits Flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Opportunities for professional development Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet. How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information For further information about the role, please contact Julia Deacon, at julia.deaconn-somerset.gov.uk or Samantha Chandler at samantha.chandlern-somerset.gov.uk or phone us on 01934 426040. Important Information As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Interview Date: Thursday 28 November 2024. Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.