Library Assistant

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

The closing date is 23 April 2025

Job summary

25.5 hours per week - Internal only.

To be an integral member of the Library and Knowledge Services (LKS) team responsible for providing a high quality library service to the Trust.

Play a key role in the day to day delivery of the Library Service to all NHS Staff.

Staffing the enquiry desk and acting as first contact for users, providing assistance to anyone with an enquiry either face-to-face, by phone or e-mail, referring complex enquiries to an appropriate member of the Library Team.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the other members of the library team, contribute to the maintenance of an effective and efficient service to customers.

Provide information to answer user enquiries using both physical and electronic resources, referring complex enquiries to the librarians.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

Main duties of the job

Assisting and supporting users with OpenAthens enquiries.

Contributing to the implementation of the library strategy by working towards agreed objectives.

General tidying of the library, including returning items to the correct shelf.

Resolve general library enquiries, guided by local procedures, which may include helping users to access facilities, services and resources via email, phone or face to face.

Undertake general enquiry work and provide assistance to library customers in the use of all library resources, equipment and IT facilities.

Issue, return and reserve books, helping staff to find relevant books on the catalogue.

Check and process the daily reports in Koha, the Library management system.

Assist in cataloguing and classification of new books.

Inventory the current leaflet stock, and ensure all listed on Koha.

Issue, package and post books out to users following local procedures.

Checking for new editions of books and keeping the required records up to date.

Source access to full text journal articles using healthcare databases and inter library loans.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements (salary threshold or occupational requirements) set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor anyone on a visa for this role at this moment in time.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Date posted

16 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01342

Job locations

Library, Wellbeing and Learning Centre

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Job description

Job responsibilities

Service user contact referred to in this Job description will only apply when working within a clinical area.

The post-holder will:

Under the supervision/direction of the Line Manager/Administrative Supervisor, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks and seeking support as and when necessary, provide a comprehensive, confidential, Secretarial/administrative service to clinical/support services, in an efficient and confidential manner.

Provide services within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, whilst acting within the required sphere of competences for the role at all times.

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the service to enable the post holder to contribute and inform decision making within the service.

May work within clinical environments where conflict resolution may be required.

Act as principal point of contact for users of the service e.g. individuals from within/outside the Trust, service users and members of the public etc.

Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

Develop and maintain good working relationships by being, flexible, adaptable, polite, positive and empathetic, communicating effectively and informatively.

Work with sensitivity and have a good understanding of the service provision and issues experienced by its users.

Prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems within own skill set. Refer and seek guidance on issues outside of postholders level of competency or authority to the Line Manager.

Work within well-established departmental/Trust policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established service delivery plans at all times.

Use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Adapt style of communication to respond to others user communication difficulties.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Service user contact referred to in this Job description will only apply when working within a clinical area.

The post-holder will:

Under the supervision/direction of the Line Manager/Administrative Supervisor, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks and seeking support as and when necessary, provide a comprehensive, confidential, Secretarial/administrative service to clinical/support services, in an efficient and confidential manner.

Provide services within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, whilst acting within the required sphere of competences for the role at all times.

Demonstrate sound knowledge of the service to enable the post holder to contribute and inform decision making within the service.

May work within clinical environments where conflict resolution may be required.

Act as principal point of contact for users of the service e.g. individuals from within/outside the Trust, service users and members of the public etc.

Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

Develop and maintain good working relationships by being, flexible, adaptable, polite, positive and empathetic, communicating effectively and informatively.

Work with sensitivity and have a good understanding of the service provision and issues experienced by its users.

Prioritise own tasks, exercising a degree of independence, initiative and judgement. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems within own skill set. Refer and seek guidance on issues outside of postholders level of competency or authority to the Line Manager.

Work within well-established departmental/Trust policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established service delivery plans at all times.

Use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Adapt style of communication to respond to others user communication difficulties.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be appropriate to the role::
  • NVQ level 3 or RSA III or OCR III (or equivalent level of qualification in related subject eg business admin, typing/word processing, customer services).
  • Or, be able to demonstrate competency at level 3.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake further study/development.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training and maintain skills.

Experience

Essential

  • Recent Secretarial/administrative experience.
  • Copy /audio typing if applicable to role.
  • Note/minute taking.
  • In using email, maintaining and updating paper and electronic diaries, arranging meetings.
  • In using Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications, e.g. Excel, Outlook , PowerPoint etc.
  • In working as an effective team member with minimum supervision.
  • In working in a busy environment with competing demands.
  • Understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • In using a degree of initiative.
  • In organising and prioritising own tasks in order to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • In working in a caring environment.
  • In dealing with the public.
  • Of NHS software programme.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Customer Care skills.
  • Excellent IT skills.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Good written communication skills, with the ability to deal with and prepare routine written correspondence.
  • Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to obtain information and pass on comprehensive and confidential messages.
  • In decision-making and prioritisation.
  • Knowledge of Data Protection Act.
  • Customer care skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing situations.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Able to use observation skills to identify potential risks and act appropriately.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Trusts value based induction.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of information governance.
  • Problem solving skills.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to be flexible to meet the demands of the post.
  • Responsive attitude and approach.
  • Dress appropriately for the environment.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Must be appropriate to the role::
  • NVQ level 3 or RSA III or OCR III (or equivalent level of qualification in related subject eg business admin, typing/word processing, customer services).
  • Or, be able to demonstrate competency at level 3.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake further study/development.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training and maintain skills.

Experience

Essential

  • Recent Secretarial/administrative experience.
  • Copy /audio typing if applicable to role.
  • Note/minute taking.
  • In using email, maintaining and updating paper and electronic diaries, arranging meetings.
  • In using Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications, e.g. Excel, Outlook , PowerPoint etc.
  • In working as an effective team member with minimum supervision.
  • In working in a busy environment with competing demands.
  • Understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • In using a degree of initiative.
  • In organising and prioritising own tasks in order to meet deadlines.

Desirable

  • In working in a caring environment.
  • In dealing with the public.
  • Of NHS software programme.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Customer Care skills.
  • Excellent IT skills.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Good written communication skills, with the ability to deal with and prepare routine written correspondence.
  • Good verbal communication skills, with the ability to obtain information and pass on comprehensive and confidential messages.
  • In decision-making and prioritisation.
  • Knowledge of Data Protection Act.
  • Customer care skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing situations.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Able to use observation skills to identify potential risks and act appropriately.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Trusts value based induction.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of information governance.
  • Problem solving skills.

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to be flexible to meet the demands of the post.
  • Responsive attitude and approach.
  • Dress appropriately for the environment.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Library, Wellbeing and Learning Centre

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Library, Wellbeing and Learning Centre

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Sarah Hennessy

sarah.hennessy@swyt.nhs.uk

01924316277

Date posted

16 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-QA01342

Job locations

Library, Wellbeing and Learning Centre

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)