JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Weekend Supervisor 2: HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HRMS/14013 3. ROLE CODE: FINASL 4. DEPARTMENT: Learning and Information Services 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Reports to the Site Librarian, Riverside 6. JOB PURPOSE: To supervise the service offered at the Riverside Library, Chester at weekends on a rota basis. To act as the first point of referral for user, IT and other queries at weekends. To give in-depth support and guidance to students and staff in using the resources in the Library. To supervise the work and training of staff working at the Helpdesk at the weekends. To assist the Subject Librarians for the Faculties of Health and Social Care and Education and Children s Services in supporting the teaching, learning and research needs of the two faculties. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Riverside Library in Chester was completed in August 2010, the Seaborne Library at Chester and the Broomhead Library at Warrington are part of the University of Chester s Learning and Information Services (LIS) department. The growth in student numbers especially post-graduate and part-time students, and the move towards independent student learning have resulted in greater demands for support from Learning and Information Services. The post-holder deputises for the Site Librarian as Supervisor at the weekends but will be expected to liaise with the Site Librarian on an ongoing basis to discuss relevant issues and ideas in order to continue to develop and promote the service.
8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: To supervise the Learning Resources service at the Riverside Campus at weekends informing the Site Librarian of any incidences that have occurred over the weekend and any decisions/actions that have been taken to address the incidences. To provide a Helpdesk service to all users, including helping readers searching for information within the collections, offering support and guidance to users in the use of networked systems (authentication and access to the network, network printing and use of IDs and passwords To give help to users of the catalogue and equipment in the Library, referring more advanced or complex enquiries to the Site Librarian, a Subject Librarian or other specialist staff, as appropriate. To utilise the Helpdesk software to record front-line IT incidents in line with our procedures 8.1 Communicating Effectively The role holder frequently receives, understands and conveys information relating to library services, from colleagues, service users and external library users. The role holder should be approachable with good communication skills and a good telephone manner. An ability to explain and demonstrate sources of information is essential. This includes responding to student or staff queries concerning library or subject resources; providing weekend supervisor updates for the Site Librarian by e-mail. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively The Weekend Supervisor leads the weekend team prioritising and delegating tasks as appropriate, the team works collaboratively to achieve team objectives. The Supervisor also works collaboratively with Supervisors at other sites to ensure effective service delivery at the weekend. 8.3 Liaison and Networking The role holder is required to carry out standard day to day liaison using existing procedures in order to pass on information promptly; keep people informed to ensure co-ordination of effort and that work is done effectively. As Weekend Supervisor, the role holder has occasional contact with University Security and external security in the event of any security problem. The role holder ensures that any matters arising are communicated to relevant staff and supervisors and more senior LIS colleagues for further escalation and follows through until a conclusion is reached. The role holder is required to participate in networks within the institution or externally in order to pass on information promptly; keep people informed to ensure co-ordination of effort and that work is done effectively e.g. dealing with appropriate personnel in other departments to ensure arrangements for weekend open days are in order. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service The role holder is required to deal with internal or external contacts who ask for service or require information; create a positive image of the institution by
being responsive and prompt in responding to requests and referring the user to the right person if necessary. As Weekend Supervisor, the role holder is responsive to user requirements and in dealing with novel queries, may have to adapt the defined rules to suit the circumstances. 8.5 Effective Decision Making The role holder is required to take independent decisions which have a major impact e.g. library system failure and also has to decide if incidents need escalating. As Weekend Supervisor, the role holder often has to make decisions about allowing a relaxation of a library rule e.g. waiving fines due to mitigating circumstances 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others It is an important requirement of the role to plan, prioritise and organise their own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives. As Weekend Supervisor, the role holder is often reacting to user requirements within the framework of defined rules and procedures. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) The role holder is required to solve standard day to day problems as they arise; choose between a limited number of options which have clear consequences, by following guidelines or referring to what has been done before; recognise when a problem should be referred to others. It is an occasional requirement of the role to use initiative and creativity to resolve problems where the optimal solution may not be immediately apparent but has to be assessed by a process of reasoning, weighing up the pros and cons of different approaches; identify and assess practical options; break the problem down into component parts. For example as Weekend Supervisor, the role holder has to use initiative to resolve issues which arise such as implementing procedures to cope with system failure at the weekend. 8.8 Analysis and Research The role holder is required to analyse routine data or information using predetermined procedures and gathering the information from standard sources; work accurately to complete the task precisely as specified. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands The role holder is required to complete basic tasks which require some physical effort. However trolleying and shelving of books can be physically demanding.
The role holder is expected to participate in moving sacks of withdrawn newspapers and books etc., outside the building for recycling. 8.10 Work Environment The role holder is required to work in an environment which is relatively stable and has little impact on the role holder or the way in which work is completed. As Weekend Supervisor the role holder is responsible for the Health and Safety of customers in the Riverside Library and is expected to take appropriate action as necessary in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines. 8.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare The role holder is occasionally required to show sensitivity to those who may need help or, in extreme cases, are showing signs of obvious distress; initiate appropriate action by involving relevant people. While working on the Helpdesk and as Weekend Supervisor the role holder routinely deals with customer enquiries and complaints referring issues to the relevant member of staff or department if necessary 8.12 Team Development The role holder is occasionally required to advise or guide new starters working in the same role or unit on standard information or procedures. The role holder is occasionally required to train or guide others on specific tasks, issues or activities; give advice, guidance and feedback on the basis of their own knowledge or experience; deliver training. As Weekend Supervisor the role holder advises and guides staff in the team as necessary. 8.13 Teaching and Learning Support The role holder is required to provide standard information or deliver teaching or training to introduce students or others who are new to the area to standard information or procedures. The role holder takes part in explaining library services and facilities to students and staff. This includes induction and information literacy sessions. The role holder regularly explains and demonstrates the use of database and internet searching to both staff and students. 8.14 Knowledge and Experience The role holder is required to have sufficient knowledge or expertise to work on day to day issues in their own area without direct or continuous reference to others.
8.15 General 8.15.1 To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. 8.15.2 To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. 8.15.3 To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Weekend Supervisor (Riverside) Department: LIS Criteria / Desirable Qualifications: Degree or postgraduate library qualification or significant library experience at an appropriate level which must include front-line user services work Method of identification Application Form ECDL (or willingness to work towards ECDL) or equivalent IT qualification Subject knowledge through qualification, interest or involvement. Desirable Application Form Application Form Proven Experience: Experience of assisting library users in use of IT applications and resources. Experience of user education. Experience of using automated library systems. Basic cataloguing skills Delivering academic and service excellence: Excellent customer care skills, experience of working with the public. Able to work accurately and pay attention to detail. Desirable Application Form Managing self and inspiring others: Experience of supervising staff Able to work with others as a supportive team member Able to work independently without supervision
Working together: Excellent communication skills Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Able to solve problems and resolve issues in accordance with established procedures Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test)
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT LEARNING & INFORMATION SERVICES WEEKEND SUPERVISOR RIVERSIDE LIBRARY, TERM TIME SALARY SCALE University Scale OS5, points 15-18, 20,198-22,029 (pro-rata) per annum payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK 20.5 hours per week (based on working alternate weeks) term time only (40 weeks per year). Week 1 Friday Saturday and Sunday 12:30pm 8:00pm 11:45am 6:15pm Week 2 no hours A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website (https://jobs.chester.ac.uk/wrl/) by Tuesday 23 rd September 2014 quoting reference number HRMS/14013.