Youth Associate Librarian

St. Joe County Public Library • South Bend, IN

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Associate Librarian helps patrons use the library, with a special emphasis on connecting young patrons with reading and engaging experiences. This role involves providing hands-on customer service, assisting with library accounts, and offering in-depth help with projects like government forms, school projects, and job applications. The librarian will also provide readers’ advisory and reference services, plan and implement activities for children, and actively participate in community initiatives and outreach. The position includes providing children’s material recommendations, assisting with collection development, and staying updated on cultural, library, and publishing trends. Additionally, the Youth Associate Librarian connects patrons digitally by assisting with devices and technologies, uses various library technologies and software, and troubleshoots equipment. When assigned to a branch, the role includes daily departmental procedures like cash register operations. The librarian is expected to participate in training and library teams, and professional organization participation is encouraged. Other duties include merchandising, maintaining library appearance, managing displays, shelving, and overseeing the location or department when assigned. This role operates under the direct supervision of the Branch Manager and requires an unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college or university
• At least 1 year of experience working with the public at a public library or bookstore
• A valid State of Indiana Librarian Certification, Level 5 or obtained within three years of hire as a condition of employment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Public service orientation and commitment to excellent and genuine customer service
• Demonstration of character and integrity in all situations while upholding SJCPL’s ethical standards
• Practical experience and proficiency with computers, including the Internet, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Windows, Mac OS, and communication technologies
• Knowledge of a wide variety of library materials and services
• Physical agility and strength to bend, reach, lift, and move library materials (20-25 lbs.) and to stand for long periods of time
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of children's literature and early literacy educational methods
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and delegate
• Ability to make decisions and work independently and interdependently
• Ability to accept and manage change
• Ability to maintain composure and overcome stress in any situation
• Ability to identify efficiencies and implement improvements in workflow
• Ability to display high standards of ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity
• Ability to lead by example
• Ability to understand, endorse, and communicate the St. Joseph County Public Library’s policies and procedures in a courteous, friendly, and positive manner
• Be enthusiastic, creative, flexible, energetic, value diversity, and possess a sense of humor
• Ability to solve problems in a professional manner with library patrons, co-workers, and Leadership
• Ability to form and maintain excellent working relationships
• Ability to network and partner with appropriate community organizations
• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately
• Ability to work patiently and creatively with all patrons
• Ability to model excellent customer service
• Ability to teach and instruct others on a variety of topics
• Ability to become proficient with current library technology

Nice To Haves

• Spanish language skills

Responsibilities

• Help patrons use the library with a special emphasis on connecting young patrons with reading and engaging experiences
• Provide hands-on customer service
• Assist patrons with library accounts
• Help patrons one-on-one with a variety of in-depth projects and topics, such as completing government forms, school projects, job applications, etc.
• Provide readers’ advisory and reference services to patrons
• Plan and implement activities and experiences for children
• Actively participate in community initiatives and outreach
• Provide training on a variety of topics
• Provide children’s material recommendations to youth and their caregivers
• Assist with collection development and maintenance activities
• Keep abreast of cultural, library, and publishing trends
• Connect patrons digitally by helping them use a variety of devices and technologies
• Use a variety of library technologies and softwares
• Troubleshoot computers, copiers, and equipment as needed
• Perform daily departmental procedures, including cash register operations (if assigned to a branch location)
• Participate in training and Library teams as offered
• Participate in merchandising and the maintenance of library appearance, including managing displays and performing shelving responsibilities
• Oversee location or department when assigned
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Health Plans
• Employer Sponsored Pension Plan (Fully Vested after 10 Years of Service)
• Public Employees' Retirement Fund and Hoosier S.T.A.R.T 457(b) Employee Funded Retirement Plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer Sponsored Life/AD&D and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 128 Vacation Hours (16 days) annually
• 80 Sick Hours (10 days) annually
• 10 Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees