Library and Learning Assistant

NHS; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in North Cumbria is looking for a Library and Learning Assistant to support the delivery of library services and the operation of Education Centres. The role involves a variety of administrative tasks, requiring strong communication skills and IT proficiency. Applicants need GCSEs in Maths and English, with library experience preferred. The position offers a salary of £24,937 to £26,598 per annum pro rata, along with comprehensive benefits including NHS discounts and a holiday scheme.

Benefits

27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years

NHS Discounts

Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work

Vivup counselling and information service

Qualifications

• Experience working in a library.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to communicate complex instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day delivery of library services.
• Support the operation of the Education Centres.
• Handle inquiries from users at various levels.

Skills

Excellent verbal, written and electronic communications skills

Approachable disposition

Customer focused attitude to service delivery

Education

GCSE Maths and English or equivalent

Essential IT skills or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Library and Learning Assistant – 18 hours – Band 3. The closing date is 10 February 2026.

Assisting in the day-to-day delivery of library services to library users, this role undertakes a wide variety of administrative tasks and clerical procedures which underpin the effective operation of the library and outreach service. This role also supports the day-to-day operation of the Education Centres, and works as part of the North Cumbria library, knowledge services, and education facilities team, playing an active role in supporting the development of an integrated and quality service for all NHS staff and students in the local health community.

Main duties of the job

The Library, Knowledge, and Education Facilities service has a pivotal role in education, lifelong learning, research and evidence-based practice, providing access to the evidence base for staff and students in the Trust. It supports patient care, research and development, continuing personal and professional development, and clinical governance, and is one of the teams within the Medical Directorate. The service is a single North Cumbria wide service which includes:

• the education centre library at Cumberland Infirmary
• the education centre library at West Cumberland Hospital
• the learning space facility at Wigton Community Hospital

About us

At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout our county.

Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of safe, high quality care every time:

• Being a clinically led organisation
• Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
• A positive patient experience every time
• A great place to work
• Managing our money well

As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.

Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.

CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.

Disclosure and Barring Service:

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:

Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £6.50 = £28.00

Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £6.50 = £56.00

deducted from salary over a 4 month period or as a one-off payment.

NCIC benefits:

• 27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
• NHS Discounts
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Vivup counselling and information service
• Subject to eligibility

Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.

If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.

Candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
• Essential IT skills or equivalent
• ACLIP or willingness to work towards certification

Knowledge

• Using libraries
• Working in an office/customer based environment
• Experience of using information technology
• Experience of dealing with enquiries from users at various levels
• Experience working in a library
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Skills

• Excellent verbal, written and electronic communications skills
• Approachable disposition and confidence to interact with health care staff at all levels
• Ability to communicate complex instructions to all levels of staff
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to troubleshoot basic computer, photocopier and printing problems
• Customer focused attitude to service delivery
• Willingness to develop and learn new skills

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel independently across Cumbria
• Ability to work at any of the library sites and attend meetings at other locations

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 per annum pro rata