Review: Customer Services Assistant - Health Services Library

This opportunity at the Health Services Library within Southampton General Hospital presents an engaging prospect for individuals with a background in customer-facing roles, particularly those from retail or hospitality. If you thrive in a team-oriented environment and are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, this role could be an excellent step in your career.

Advantages for Potential Candidates

Joining the Front of House Team as a Customer Services Assistant offers several compelling advantages:

• Valuable Experience in a Specialized Environment: You will gain experience providing high-quality, professional customer service within a unique healthcare library setting. This exposure can be highly rewarding and contribute to a diverse skill set.
• Diverse Communication Channels: The role involves interacting with customers through various methods – in person, over the phone, and online. This multifaceted approach will hone your communication and problem-solving abilities across different platforms.
• Supportive Team and Training: As part of the University Library Enquiries team, you'll benefit from a structured training program designed to equip you with the necessary skills. This indicates a commitment to your professional development.
• Attractive Benefits Package: The University of Southampton offers a competitive salary range of £25,249 to £26,707 pro rata per annum. Beyond salary, you'll receive 20 days of annual leave pro rata, plus University Closure Days, and a contributory pension scheme. These benefits contribute to a strong overall compensation package.
• Part-Time Stability: This position is offered on a permanent, part-time basis (26 hours per week), providing a consistent work schedule and long-term employment security.
• Convenient Shift Pattern: The available shift from Monday to Thursday, 13:45-20:15, may appeal to those seeking to balance work with other commitments or personal pursuits.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path

When considering this role for your career progression, keep the following points in mind:

• Adaptability and Teamwork: The description emphasizes working within a team and a customer-focused role. Your ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to the needs of diverse library users will be crucial for success.
• Inter-Site Mobility: Be prepared for the possibility of moving between sites if required. This suggests a need for flexibility and a willingness to be agile in your work.
• IT and Comprehension Skills: The interview process includes a short IT and comprehension task. Demonstrating a foundational level of computer literacy and strong understanding will be important.
• Career Growth within a University Setting: While this role focuses on customer service, working within a university library environment can offer opportunities to learn about different library functions and potentially explore related career paths in academic support services or information management in the future.

This Customer Services Assistant role offers a fantastic entry point for individuals looking to leverage their existing customer service skills in a rewarding and stable environment. The comprehensive benefits and structured training make it an attractive proposition for those seeking to develop their careers within the academic sector.