Libraries Engagement Officer

Job Introduction

About Us
Libraries in Oxfordshire are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. Our libraries offer a range of books, digital and other resources with trained staff to help our customers. We provide cultural and creative enrichment, promote reading and literacy alongside the provision of digital access and support for our users. Our aim is to help everyone achieve their full potential, become healthier and achieve happier lives with greater prosperity in stronger, more resilient communities.

Oxfordshire Libraries provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where children, families and communities can read, learn and connect. This role supports early language, reading for pleasure and family engagement through library activities and local partnerships.

About the Role
The library service is looking for an officer to help deliver engaging activities for young children and their families, in libraries with community outreach in areas where there is particular need. You will develop activities such as rhymetimes and story times which foster a love of reading and books among young families in their local library. You will act as the Bookstart Coordinator for Oxfordshire, supporting our partnership with Booktrust.

The role involves working with library staff, volunteers, families and community partners. You should be able to travel across Oxfordshire and regularly operate from the Bookstart base at Library Support Services, Holton, Oxford OX33 1QQ.

About you
You will enjoy working with young children, families and communities, and understand the value of books, stories and rhymes in the early years.
You will be friendly, organised, flexible and confident communicating with a wide range of people. Experience in libraries, early years or community work would be an advantage.
You should be able to demonstrate an example of these skills in a test situation at interview.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits
• 25 day’s holiday pro rata, p.a. plus bank holidays Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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