Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Where learning and community come together.
The Libraries and Heritage Service at Gateshead Council plays a vital role in supporting learning, wellbeing and community connection across the borough. Our libraries are inclusive, welcoming spaces that enable access to free books, trusted information and digital resources, while promoting reading for pleasure and wellbeing at every stage of life. We work closely with communities and partners to enthuse reading for pleasure in children from an early age. We promote health literacy, digital inclusion and school readiness for children and families, helping residents to build confidence, skills and resilience. As trusted community hubs, our libraries provide spaces for local networks to come together, access support and take part in activities that enrich lives, celebrate heritage and help everyone in Gateshead to thrive.
Discover More with Gateshead Libraries
Create welcoming spaces that inspire, support and engage.
As a Libraries Engagement Officer for Children and Young People, you will help deliver welcoming, and inclusive library services that support learning, wellbeing and community connection. You will design and deliver engaging, fun and enriching activities in library buildings, and out in the wider community such as schools, family hubs, community centres, or parks. Working with colleagues and partners to promote targeted approaches to reading, digital inclusion, heritage, and health. You will have creative input to help shape our programme of work with children and young people. You will help to develop new partnerships to strengthen our offer. This role suits someone passionate about libraries, children and young people, culture and community engagement, who values practical delivery and partnership working.
What You'll Get To Do
* Develop, lead and deliver an accessible programme of library and community-based activities that promote themed and targeted initiatives and engagement for children and young people.
* Build and strengthen partnerships to support the Council’s priorities around reading, digital inclusion, heritage, health, wellbeing and Thrive.
* Provide high-quality information, support and signposting to residents with complex needs, helping them access appropriate services and support.
* Supervise staff and support the effective day-to-day operation of library buildings, maintaining excellent customer service and managing challenging situations when required.
* Support the manager and deputise as needed to ensure continuity of service delivery and operational leadership.
* Oversee operational tasks and programmes of work, including administration, use of library systems and cash handling.
* Ensure appropriate stock, resources and facilities are in place to support service delivery and community needs.
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to monitoring and evaluation, ensuring services are safe, effective and aligned with health, wellbeing and Thrive priorities, including health and safety and routine maintenance.
What You'll Bring
* GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent), with confidence using everyday IT systems including Microsoft Office, email, internet and cloud-based tools.
* A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent mobility support), enabling you to work flexibly across the borough.
* Passion for books and reading, culture or the arts, and a commitment to sharing this enthusiasm with children and young people and their families from a wide range of communities
* Experience working in a customer-focused environment, such as a public library, community or similar public service setting.
* Experience planning and delivering activities or events, primarily working with children and young people.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, build effective partnerships, and use initiative to respond to changing needs and deliver training.
* Experience of supervising staff or supporting colleagues, alongside a strong commitment to excellent customer service.
* Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure, and respond effectively to customer needs.
What’s In It For You
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How To Apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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