Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Worthing and Chichester Town
Worthing
Salary: £24,937 - £26,598 per annum, pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 16/10/2025 23:59
Library Assistant
Band 3
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job overview
A vacancy has arisen for the permanent post of Library Assistant at St Richards Hospital, Chichester and Worthing Hospital, Worthing.
The Library Assistant operates within a team of enquiry desk staff in the delivery of proactive frontline knowledge and library services. This requires dealing with all levels of clinical and non-clinical members as well as students on placement within the local health economy.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will carry out a wide range of tasks including staffing the enquiry desk and assisting with the document supply service and members’ database. The post-holder will also be involved in hands-on IT support and the first line education of members.
Library assistants are responsible for dealing with frontline enquiries for information (in person, by post, email or telephone). This will involve the use and demonstration of information resources including printed and electronic textbooks, reports, journals and databases. More complex enquiries will be referred to the relevant K&L staff.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
* GCSE Maths and English (A-C or 9-4)
* Experience of working in a library or a similar customer care environment (or equivalent NVQ Library and Information qualification)
* Experience or knowledge of the NHS
Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to communicate information to a wide range of personnel from different cultures and organisations
* Competency and confidence in using information technology in the workplace
* Experience of working with electronic and printed sources of information
* The ability to judge and determine the most appropriate source of information in response to library users’ diverse range of enquiries and to provide the information in a timely, accurate and suitable manner
* Ability to provide basic instruction and training to library users on a one-to-one/group basis
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Knowledge or awareness of relevant legislation, e.g. Copyright Act, Data protection and Freedom of Information
People Management and Development
* Must be able to work in a team and be cooperative and sensitive to the needs of others
Freedom to Act
* Ability to prioritise and plan own workload and work independently with some supervision
* The postholder must be able to adjust their work plan in order to give priority to library users’ needs
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
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.
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