Prison Library Assistant

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

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills

• 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

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions highlighting your strengths and any transferable skills or experience:

• What are your motivations for applying?
• Why do you think it is important for Prisons to have libraries?
• What do you think the challenges would be working in a prison environment?
• How would you encourage prisoners to develop a love for reading and learning?

Please note an enhanced vetting process will be required for this role and will be undertaken by the Prison Service before the successful candidate can start and takes around eight weeks.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/06/2026 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

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.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

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.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.