Assistant Specialist (Public Services) I: Youth Services

Weber County•Ogden, UT

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Weber County Library seeks energetic individuals with outstanding communication skills and significant experience supporting the learning and development of children and teens in educational or community-based settings. These employees will lead discovery of library materials and services, plan and present early literacy, school-aged, and teen programs, and contribute to a welcoming, learning-focused environment. This recruitment will be used to fill current openings at library locations throughout Weber County. As a member of the Library’s program implementation team, under the supervision of the youth services librarian, this employee works regularly at a service desk providing ready reference, readers’ advisory, and referral services to youth and their caregivers in person and over the telephone; participates in planning and presenting educational activities including summer reading programs, after-school programs, Discovery Time, and other literacy programs; performs support-level collection development tasks; provides occasional customer service at the circulation desk; sets up meeting venues; provides technology instruction; promotes the Library at outreach events.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities for the position
At least two years’ experience working with youth in a teaching environment
General knowledge of developmentally appropriate literacy skills for older children and teens and the ability to apply this knowledge in the context of a learning environment with emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, math (STEAM)
General knowledge of current and classic literature, including authors, genres, and awards, for children and teens and an ability to reinforce the Library’s commitment to the promotion of books, reading, and transliteracy through programming and readers’ advisory
A basic understanding of the stages of childhood and adolescent development, as well as early literacy concepts
An understanding of the Library’s role in meeting the information/learning needs of all youth, including those with special needs and from diverse backgrounds
General proficiency with standard software used in business applications such as Microsoft products, especially Word and Excel; and the ability to internalize and use specialized library industry standard software
General proficiency with current Web applications such as search engines, email interfaces, social media, and eBook and eAudio applications/commonly used devices
Understanding of the relationships and responsibilities of Library divisions and buildings
Understanding of Library mission and roles, and the general role of public libraries within a community
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to present books, music, and fingerplays to groups of young children and their caregivers in a formal teaching environment while facilitating conceptual skill development
Ability to understand and apply customer service strategies to encourage Library use, establish a welcoming atmosphere, and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all youth and their caregivers
Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks with frequent interruption
Ability to exhibit good judgment according to a formalist system of ethics and establish a cordial and effective working relationship with the public, colleagues, Board members, and County officials
Ability to implement Library Board policies and procedures
Availability for morning, afternoon, evening, weekend, and some holiday shifts
Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check required
Engage with high-risk populations

Nice To Haves

Fluency in more than one language

Responsibilities

Work regularly at the youth services desk, providing ready reference, readers’ advisory, and referral to youth and their caregivers in person and over the telephone; will be expected to work at other service points in the building as necessary for coverage and cross-training
Instruct youth in use of technology resources
Develop and present diverse and enriching activities, events, and classes for children, teens, families, and caregivers, including Discovery Time, the After-School Program, the Summer Reading Program, and other educational activities that support transliteracy and lifelong learning
Collaborate with professional employees in planning, promoting, and providing Library tours and outreach services for local schools, preschools, daycares, and community agencies
Actively promote Library resources, programs, and services during patron interactions
Contribute to the evaluation and maintenance of the children’s and young adult collections
Preserve safety, appearance, and condition of Library facilities and property
Contribute to training and workflow and maintain performance results to facilitate a competent workforce made up of support employees to achieve and deliver superior library service