Associate Specialist (Public Services) I: Youth Services

Weber County•Roy, UT

23h•$25 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

This employee will champion exceptional service for children and families—whether at our front desk, during after-school programs, or through interactive technology classes. Through their leadership example, they will help shape memorable learning experiences and have the chance to prepare and lead engaging activities, support collection development, and promote the library at community events. Applicants must have significant experience working with youth in a teaching environment and meet educational qualifications. This position may be filled at any Weber County Library location. As a member of the Library’s supervisory team, under the supervision of the branch manager, this employee provides leadership in the performance of front-line customer service to children and their caregivers in person, over the telephone, and online. This employee provides ready reference, referral, and readers’ advisory service, develops and presents educational programs and classes including summer reading programs, Discovery Time, after-school programs, board game and video game activities, technology classes, and other events supporting literacy learning for youth and their families; sets up meeting venues; provides technology instruction; performs support-level collection development tasks; and promotes the Library at outreach events.

Requirements

At least three years’ experience working with youth in a teaching environment
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); 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 general 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; 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
Strong organizational, planning, and project oversight skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks with frequent interruption
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
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
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 resolve conflict rather than create it, and implement change rather than block it
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

Preference given for fluency in more than one language

Responsibilities

Work regularly at the youth services desk, providing ready reference, readers’ advisory, and referrals to youth and their caregivers in person, over the telephone, and online; will work at a variety of 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 that support transliteracy and lifelong learning
Collaborate with librarians 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
Coordinate procedures for youth services collection evaluation and maintenance; supervise processing and maintenance of specialty collections (realia for example)
Coordinate workflow and completion of daily tasks at youth services desk
Preserve safety, appearance, and condition of Library facilities and property