Knowledge and Evidence Specialist
Job Description
Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Knowledge & Evidence Specialist to join our Library & Knowledge Services team at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, based at Bushey Fields Hospital.
The post holder will support the Head of Knowledge and Library Services in delivering the full range of library and information services to staff and students on placement.
You will provide frontline enquiry services, conduct evidence searches to support clinical and non-clinical decision-making across the Trust. A key part of the role will be delivering education and training to staff and learners, including information skills sessions, literature searching and training, both face to face and remotely.
The post holder will also play an active role in raising the profile of the Knowledge & Library Service -- contributing to marketing and promotional activity, maintaining the service's digital presence across SharePoint, the Trust intranet, social media and YouTube, and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows through automation and emerging AI tools.
We are looking for someone with a degree in Library and Information Management, experience of working in a healthcare or higher education library setting, and a genuine enthusiasm for evidence-based practice and innovation. A creative flair, strong communication skills and a passion for promoting the value of library and knowledge services are essential.
Main duties of the job
- Support the Head of Knowledge and Library Services in delivering a high-quality library and knowledge service to staff and students, in line with the Trust's library strategy and national accreditation standards
- Provide literature searching to support clinical and non-clinical decision-making
- Deliver information skills training to staff and learners
- Promote the effective use of library resources and services through inductions, training sessions and ongoing user support
- Support the development and maintenance of the library's digital offer, including intranet, SharePoint, online platforms and electronic resource access, troubleshooting issues and keeping content current
- Contribute to marketing and promotional activity, including creating materials and using social media to raise awareness of services
- Contribute to the operation of document supply services, cataloguing and classification of stock, and wider library systems
- Identify and utilise automation tools and AI-assisted technologies to improve the efficiency and delivery of library services
- Support the supervision of library assistants, volunteers or students as required
- Contribute to service improvement by supporting data collection, evaluation and reporting activities
About us
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trustprovides specialist mental health, learning disability, children's and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country.
Across the whole of the region we provide:
- Adult and older adult mental health services
- Specialist learning disability services
- CAMHS
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 April 2020, after NHS England and NHS Improvement approved the merger of Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
Combining resources, strategies and talented workforce enables us to deliver a wider variety of outstanding services that are based on best practice and are continually improving.
We currently employ over 4,000 members of staff and just like the population we serve, we are made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will support the Head of Knowledge and Library Services in delivering the full range of library and information services to staff and students on placement, in line with the Trust's library strategy, national accreditation standards and relevant service level agreements.
Based primarily at Bushey Fields Hospital, the role may require some cross-site working at other Trust locations as needed. The post holder will provide enquiry services, conduct evidence searches, and deliver education and training to staff and learners.
A creative flair and enthusiasm for promoting the service are essential, as the post holder will contribute to library branding and communications. An interest in and awareness of emerging AI tools relevant to knowledge and library services is also expected. The post holder will also actively seek opportunities to streamline and automate library workflows and processes to improve service efficiency
To raise the profile of the Knowledge & Library Service and support delivery of the library strategy, the post holder will work with the manager to ensure seamless access to library systems, electronic resources, and the service's online presence including SharePoint, MS Teams, the Trust intranet, internet pages, social media platforms and YouTube.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Degree in Information studies or related discipline
- Experience in working in HE or NHS library
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Bushey Fields Hospital
Bushey Fields Road
Dudley
DY1 2LZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
