Youth Services Specialist

Paul Sawyier Public Library

Job Title: Youth Services Specialist

Department: Youth Services

Status: Full Time; Non-Exempt

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, May 29th at 5pm

SUMMARY:

Permanent, full-time position focused on providing outreach services for children, teens, teachers, classes, and community groups.

Under limited supervision and with significant latitude for independent judgment, this role is responsible for developing and implementing both new and existing services that support the needs of the community and help achieve organizational goals. The position involves extensive interaction with the public and collaboration with staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides specialized library service for tweens (grades 3-5), teens (grades 6-12), their families, and associated organizations.
• Develops, plans and implements engaging events, services, tools, and initiatives for tweens, teens, their families, and associated organizations.
• Provides outreach services throughout the Frankfort/Franklin County community for teens, their families and schools that serve Kindergarten through 12th grade based on the needs of the department.
• Serves as liaison to teens and their families at community centers, social services agencies, schools, and churches; provides information about library and outreach activities, facilities and services.
• Represents the library at community events, functions, and meetings.
• Collaborates with Youth Services Manager and leads and/or assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of new services and programs for teens.
• Presents talks on books and programs to encourage reading.
• Provides public services including reference, readers advisory, and programs.
• Coordinates and collaborates on special projects with the Youth Services Department and other library departments or organizations.
• Other duties may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of practices, procedures, techniques, materials and technology used in professional library service, including general reference, classification, circulation, and collection development.
• Knowledge of contemporary middle grade, teen, and young adult literature.
• Knowledge of child & adolescent development.
• Knowledge of library databases, digital collections, and services.
• Ability to navigate the internet and other online tools, including various social media.
• Ability to solve practical problems without supervisor intervention.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to deal with people tactfully and effectively, establish and maintain effective working relations, and provide excellent customer service to all library patrons.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations, responding to customer needs and requests for service and assistance.
• Ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to deal with people tactfully and effectively, establish and maintain effective working relations, and provide excellent customer service to all library patrons.
• Ability to contribute to a positive team spirit.
• Ability to collaborate with others in the department to achieve a common goal.
• Ability to develop a project from inception to implementation on time and on budget.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Ability to respond objectively and with openness to the ideas of others.
• Ability to treat others with respect and consideration, regardless of status or position.
• Ability to design and present developmentally appropriate programs.
• May be required to adjust schedule (occasional unscheduled days, evenings, or weekends) for library programming, community events, and staffing levels.
• Must follow through on commitments.
• Must be flexible and able to handle frequent interruptions.
• Must have a genuine caring attitude and respect for children.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree required; four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to use and interpret decimal numbers.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have knowledge of library databases and digital collections. Be proficient using Microsoft Office (with particular proficiency for Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint), social media, and the general internet.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Current Kentucky driver’s license with clean driving record. (Must be able to successfully complete a background check).

Kentucky Library Certification or eligibility for Kentucky Library Certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position 70% of the time; move about the office and department to access computers, library materials, and other office equipment; operate a computer and other office equipment; grasp library and other materials; and position self to access library materials and other objects on low and high shelves. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Paul Sawyier Public Library is committed to equal employment opportunity. The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to

successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Exposure to dust and mold; ink on printed pages; strong scents; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud.

SCHEDULE:

Upon request

SALARY:

$18.50 per hour based on education and experience.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Supplemental benefits to include (but not limited to) short-term disability and long-term disability
• Generous paid time off plan (vacation, sick, holidays)
• Pension plan (mandatory 6% contribution) with employer contribution
• Employee assistance program
• 401k, 457, & IRA

HOW TO APPLY:

Email with résumé to HR@pspl.org.

NO PHONE CALLS.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person