Job overview
Assistant Librarian (Patient Education) Full time: 37.5 hours a week
Use your information skills to make a difference to the quality of NHS services and patient education. You will work closely with the Patient Education knowledge specialists focussing on the provision of patient education both within and outside the Trust.
Key roles include dealing with enquiries from patients, clinicians and the general public at walk-in health information points and carrying out audits of existing patient education materials across UHSussex. You will also carry out in-depth evidence searches and deliver relevant information skills sessions to meet the needs of those providing or using patient information.
This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact by providing proactive, analytical and tailored support to staff and patients, and will be backed up by an enthusiastic and highly regarded team.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will work closely with the Patient Education knowledge specialists focussing on the provision of patient education both within and outside the Trust. This will involve working alongside clinicians, managers, patients, carers and the general public to facilitate high-quality evidence-based decision-making and health improvement.
Key roles include dealing with enquiries from patients, clinicians and the general public at walk-in health information points and carrying out audits of existing patient education materials across UHSussex. In liaison with the Patient Education knowledge specialists, the post- holder will take an active role in developing non-print materials such as videos and Podcasts.
The post-holder will carry out in-depth evidence searches and deliver relevant information skills sessions to meet the needs of those providing or using patient information. The post-holder will also be an active member of the Carer and Patient Information Group (CPIG).
In all cases these professional tasks will be carried out as part of the Patient Education team, with appropriate levels of training, support and supervision
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Answer enquiries from KLS members and patients/carers in person, by phone or email in such a way as to conform with the Trust’s values and behaviours and the KLS policy on welcoming people and answering enquiries.
Provide evidence search results to KLS members and patients/carers on request (see Service Delivery below) in a standard, clear format that synthesises complex information in a readable summary.
Carry out audits of patient education materials across UHSussex to identify current provision and gaps in service.
Staff solely the new walk-in health information point in the 3Ts building at the RSCH site and deal with enquiries from patients/carers and clinicians. Enquiries will include simple directional queries as well as more complex searches on health conditions but will not include offering medical advice.
Carry out one-to-one and small group teaching that the KLS provides, in particular, producing patient information sessions (including teaching via web conferencing software). This will involve contributing to the service’s scheduled teaching and being available to take on ad hoc requests for teaching, often at short notice. Teaching may be carried out at any of the hospital sites.
-- See Job Description & Person Spec for full details.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. Experience of working in a healthcare, academic or public knowledge and library environment
2. Good understanding of the practicalities of running a patient health information service
Desirable criteria
3. Significant and recent experience of working with patients in a health information setting
4. Significant and recent experience of using web software to enable accessibility of documents
5. Significant and recent experience of auditing document compliance
Education
Essential criteria
6. Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in library/information science, a related degree, or equivalent experience studies.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications