APPLY: Library & customer assistant needed in UK — £25,183 salary per year, visa sponsorship available

Location: Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Salary: £25,183 per annum (pro rata)
Contract: Part-time (Zero hours)
Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
Application Deadline: 27 July 2025

Make a Difference in Your Community as a Library and Customer Assistant

Are you passionate about public service and community engagement? Westmorland & Furness Council is recruiting two motivated and energetic Part-time Library and Customer Assistants to join the hardworking team at Penrith Library. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in the public sector, gain valuable customer service experience, and support vital local services.

As a Library and Customer Assistant, you will be the welcoming face of the library, providing frontline support to customers of all ages. If you have a positive attitude, enjoy working in a team, and want to contribute to your community, this role could be ideal for you.

Why Work as a Library and Customer Assistant at Westmorland & Furness Council?

• Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: The Council offers visa sponsorship for eligible roles, welcoming international applicants looking to contribute to the UK’s public services.

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Earn a pro-rated salary of £25,183 per annum alongside excellent pension schemes, enhanced annual leave, and a range of discounts and perks.

  
  
  

• Flexible Working: Zero hours contract providing the flexibility to fit your lifestyle while contributing meaningfully to community services.

• Inclusive Employer: As a Disability Confident Leader, the Council guarantees interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria and values diversity at all levels.

• Career Development: Opportunities to develop new skills, participate in training, and advance within local government or library services.

  
  
  

• Community Impact: Play a crucial role in enhancing access to information, learning, and cultural activities in Penrith and the surrounding area.

Core Responsibilities: What You Will Do as a Library and Customer Assistant

This role is varied and dynamic, offering the chance to develop a broad range of skills. You will be the first point of contact for library visitors, supporting them in person and through other communication channels.

Your Key Duties Include:

• Serving as the first point of contact for library users, offering a friendly and professional welcome.

• Responding to customer enquiries efficiently and effectively via face-to-face interactions, telephone, written correspondence, and digital platforms.

  
  
  

• Providing basic IT support and guidance to customers needing help with computers, internet access, or digital resources.

• Assisting with general library duties such as shelving, issuing and returning books, and maintaining an organized, inviting environment.

• Supporting the security of the library building, including health and safety checks and protocols.

• Assisting in organizing and facilitating community events and activities catering to all age groups.

  
  
  

• Collaborating with team members to maintain a positive and supportive work atmosphere.

• Adapting to service developments and contributing ideas to improve customer experience.

Essential Skills and Qualifications for Library and Customer Assistants

To succeed in this role, candidates need a strong customer service orientation, effective communication skills, and the ability to work well within a team.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in delivering excellent customer service, ideally in a public-facing role.

  
  
  

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Confidence in using basic IT tools and assisting others with technology queries.

• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities.

• A positive attitude towards service improvement and embracing change.

• Ability to carry out physical tasks such as shelving and light maintenance with care and attention.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is suitable for people who:

• Enjoy working in community-focused environments.

• Have a passion for libraries, learning, and public engagement.

• Are proactive team players with a flexible approach.

• Want to develop or continue a career in public sector or community services.

• Are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Meet the criteria for skilled worker visa sponsorship if applying from abroad.

Westmorland & Furness Council: A Supportive and Inclusive Employer

Westmorland & Furness Council is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. The Council actively promotes equality and supports underrepresented groups through:

• Guaranteed Interviews: Disabled applicants meeting essential job criteria, Armed Forces veterans, and care-experienced young people are guaranteed an interview.

• Disability Confident Leadership: A commitment to removing barriers and supporting employees with disabilities.

• Flexible Recruitment: Offering both virtual and in-person interviews to accommodate all candidates.

• Safeguarding Commitment: Ensuring a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults in all services.

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What Benefits Will You Receive?

Working with Westmorland & Furness Council offers more than a job; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth with a generous benefits package including:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with employer contributions.

• Enhanced Annual Leave: Enjoy generous leave allowances beyond statutory requirements.

• Discount Schemes: Access to a variety of employee discounts and perks.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Zero hours contracts allow you to balance work with other commitments.

• Career Development: Training opportunities and pathways to advance within local government roles.

• Supportive Work Culture: Work in an environment that values teamwork, innovation, and mutual respect.

How to Apply for the Library and Customer Assistant Role

Interested candidates should review the detailed Post Specification and Role Profile available on the Council’s Careers site. These documents provide full information on responsibilities, qualifications, and the recruitment process.

Submit your application by the closing date of 27 July 2025 through the official Westmorland & Furness Council recruitment portal.

Apply Here