Community Services Officer - Outreach (Libraries)

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.

Bring libraries to life in our communities.

Are you enthusiastic, confident and passionate about working with people?

Do you enjoy delivering activities, building relationships and making a real difference in local communities?

We're looking for an outgoing and motivated Community Services Officer (Outreach) to help bring North Somerset Libraries beyond our buildings and directly into the heart of our communities.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. One day you could be leading a lively Rhymetime for families, the next supporting older residents through a digital skills session, promoting library services at a community event, or helping deliver our popular Summer Reading Challenge.

If you're someone who thrives on engaging with people, enjoys working independently and loves creating positive experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging activities including Rhymetimes, Storytimes, Summer Reading Challenge events, digital support sessions and community-based programmes.
• Promote library services at festivals, markets, schools, community events and information days.
• Inspire new audiences to discover the benefits of libraries, reading, digital resources and volunteering opportunities.
• Provide excellent customer service, supporting people to access services and information.
• Work with the Mobile Library Service, helping bring books, information and support to communities across North Somerset.
• Build positive relationships with community groups, volunteers, schools and partner organisations.
• Support Community Managed Libraries and Home Library Service volunteers.
• Work flexibly across a range of community locations.

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 Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• Typically working 0-1 day in the office, e.g. for meetings or focused work.
• Undertaking work remotely, e.g. delivering outreach activities in libraries or in community locations.
• Maintaining connection with the wider team, e.g. using Microsoft Teams.

About you.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about libraries, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria:

• Friendly, approachable and enthusiastic.
• Comfortable speaking to groups and people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Passionate about community engagement and customer service.
• Creative and confident in delivering activities and events.
• Organised and able to manage a varied workload.
• A strong communicator who enjoys building relationships.
• Confident using digital technology and supporting others with ICT.
• Able to work under limited supervision, whilst reporting to a community services supervisor and operating within established policies, procedures and service standards.
• Flexible and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel to deliver outreach activities across multiple locations throughout North Somerset.

Desirable criteria:

• Delivering activities, events or engagement programmes.
• Working directly with customers, communities or volunteers.
• Promoting services or projects to the public.
• Supporting people to use digital technology.
• Maintaining records and using a range of IT systems.
• Working collaboratively with partner organisations.
• Ability to undertake a range of administrative tasks including note taking, organising diaries and booking of facilities and routine tasks.

Library experience is welcome but not essential. We're more interested in your enthusiasm, communication skills and ability to engage people in meaningful activities.

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 Sarah Smith, Community Services Supervisor, at [email removed] or [phone removed]

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: Wednesday 16 September 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

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.

We reserve the right to close this adver