Library Creative Learning Outreach Specialist

Multnomah County•Gresham, OR

10d•$32 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

Empowering our community to learn and create. Our mission at Multnomah County Library is to empower our community to learn and create. Nowhere is this more evident than in our creative learning spaces. These spaces allow some of our most marginalized patrons opportunities to interact with creative learning technology and equipment, sparking new interests and building new skills for a lifetime of learning. As we move forward with renovating and rebuilding our library system, we’re adding more creative learning spaces to give our patrons more opportunities to learn and create. That’s why we’re looking for our newest Creative Learning Spaces Outreach Specialist! This is an internal recruitment open to all current regular, probationary/trial service and limited duration employees, or those in a paid or unpaid internship program at the time of recruitment, who are in paid status, on approved leave, or on an active recall list. Additionally, current temporary and on-call employees may apply for an internal recruitment provided that they were currently or previously hired through a civil service process. The Creative Learning Spaces Outreach Specialist is a member of the Creative Learning Team and provides learning opportunities and access to Creative Learning equipment for our community by developing and implementing programs in the Library’s Creative Learning and flex spaces. This role supports and collaborates with the Creative Learning Space Program Specialists and other Outreach Specialists to operate the space, make equipment accessible, and to provide training and support for patrons, volunteers, interns and staff. In this role, you will be responsible for program development and training related to Creative Learning spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: Developing and delivering Creative Learning Room/Makerspace curricula and programs that meet the learning needs of specific audiences including teens, children and adults of all ages as well as members of diverse language, ethnic and cultural communities. Providing technical direction, training, and consultation to patrons on the use of library Creative Learning equipment, software and supplies. Working closely with County IT, Learning + Organizational development and Creative Learning Program Specialists to develop specific training related to successful delivery of Creative Learning programs and activities, using unique software and equipment. Implementing Creative Learning programming plans that allow the public to access creative resources through the library. Responding to community feedback, adapting programming and services to serve patrons better as well as continuing to adapt services to changing needs of users. You will also be responsible for providing excellent customer and informational service to a diverse spectrum of customers using an equity lens. This includes, but is not limited to: Responding to information requests that are in person, over the phone, via chat, social media, or other virtual media in order to answer questions, locate information, and train the public in using the library's resources. Collaborating with other Creative Learning Room/Makerspace staff to facilitate smooth daily operations of Creative Learning Spaces. Operating and troubleshooting Creative Learning equipment and ensuring proper use of equipment using guidelines and procedures. Opening and closing the Creative Learning Spaces including set-up and take-down of program technology. Fostering a sense of community and connectedness within the spaces and during programs. Additionally, you may supervise and train volunteers as well as offer training opportunities to staff. This will require providing technical direction, training, and consultation to staff and volunteers on the use of library Creative Learning equipment, software and supplies. You will ensure staff and volunteers receive training on best practices for working with specific age groups and diverse audiences. The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with potentially disruptive, physically dangerous or abusive customers and emergencies is crucial. Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by: Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization Speaking out against racism and oppression Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive Learn more about the library’s services on our website .

Requirements

Bachelor's degree. Equivalent experience will substitute for a degree.
At least 2 years of successful experience serving people of diverse ages and cultural/ethnic/language backgrounds in a library or other informal or formal learning environment.
At least 1 year of experience using an equity perspective developing events, classes or performance using demonstrated knowledge of populations experiencing marginalization due to factors of race, non-native English speaking communities, disability, or poverty.
At least 1 year of experience working with creative technology hardware, software and related tools (e.g. electronics and robotics kits; 3D design software and 3D printers; laser cutters; a textiles; coding, electronic music production and animation software; and/or other creative technology tools) in a lab or educational setting.
Knowledge of and experience with creative learning, participatory learning or collaborative learning in a library or similar setting.
Knowledge of the effects of dominant culture society on communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization.
Knowledge of how adolescents and adults learn.
Skills in working with people across the agespan - children, teens, and adults.
The ability to form mentoring relationships, especially with teens.
The ability to facilitate discussions and make presentations to small and large groups.
The ability to work in a collaborative, team oriented environment.
Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended and not currently employed by the library. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.

Responsibilities

Developing and delivering Creative Learning Room/Makerspace curricula and programs that meet the learning needs of specific audiences including teens, children and adults of all ages as well as members of diverse language, ethnic and cultural communities.
Providing technical direction, training, and consultation to patrons on the use of library Creative Learning equipment, software and supplies.
Working closely with County IT, Learning + Organizational development and Creative Learning Program Specialists to develop specific training related to successful delivery of Creative Learning programs and activities, using unique software and equipment.
Implementing Creative Learning programming plans that allow the public to access creative resources through the library.
Responding to community feedback, adapting programming and services to serve patrons better as well as continuing to adapt services to changing needs of users.
Responding to information requests that are in person, over the phone, via chat, social media, or other virtual media in order to answer questions, locate information, and train the public in using the library's resources.
Collaborating with other Creative Learning Room/Makerspace staff to facilitate smooth daily operations of Creative Learning Spaces.
Operating and troubleshooting Creative Learning equipment and ensuring proper use of equipment using guidelines and procedures.
Opening and closing the Creative Learning Spaces including set-up and take-down of program technology.
Fostering a sense of community and connectedness within the spaces and during programs.
Providing technical direction, training, and consultation to staff and volunteers on the use of library Creative Learning equipment, software and supplies.
Ensuring staff and volunteers receive training on best practices for working with specific age groups and diverse audiences.