Youth Engagement Specialist (20/24 hrs.) Parsons Branch

Columbus Metropolitan Library • Columbus, OH

6d • $21 - $29

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist creates positive and enriching experiences by engaging youth and caregivers in conversation and activities and promoting literacy and reading. The role helps develop and deliver quality programs and informal engagements aligned with the library’s Young Minds Strategy, which supports youth in establishing a foundation for a successful life. The strategy focuses on kindergarten readiness for ages 0–5, early literacy development for kindergarten through third grade, and support and preparation for tweens and teens toward high school graduation. The specialist may also conduct outreach to schools and other organizations serving youth and perform collection management activities.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position at the Parsons Branch, scheduled for 20–24 hours weekly. The listed starting pay range is $21.49–$28.89 per hour, commensurate with experience. The schedule includes Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, alternating Fridays or Saturdays, and one in five Sundays.

The work environment includes offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, residences, and commercial vehicles, with occasional moderate outdoor weather conditions. Work requires occasional lifting or pushing of up to 50 pounds and frequent lifting or pushing of up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2–3 years of experience working with youth or in community engagement.
• Interest and ability to serve youth and develop rapport with youth and their caregivers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate library technology, including a personal computer, email, software programs such as Windows/Microsoft Office, and other job-related equipment and systems.
• Ability to use reliable transportation to report promptly to the job assignment and other locations as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience delivering programs and services to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth and families in using library resources, activities, and programs while providing a high level of customer service.
• Create a safe, welcoming environment that balances fun activities and relationship building while supporting youth development and learning.
• Plan, promote, and present programs and informal engagements for children of all ages at the library and off-site.
• Answer customer questions, provide service throughout the building, and locate appropriate information sources to make referrals.
• Connect with schools and community organizations to promote Young Minds programs and services through presentations, community events, and networking.
• Help diffuse youth confrontations, mediate, and reduce tensions.
• Perform collection management activities for juvenile materials as directed, and create displays and merchandise materials.
• Direct volunteer and volunteen activities, including orientation, training, and scheduling.
• Keep children’s and teen areas neat, orderly, and appealing.
• Maintain skills and knowledge through library training, resource review, and professional development conversations with youth services staff.
• Use computer applications and library equipment, and maintain current knowledge of system-wide and location-specific procedures, processes, policies, and operations.
• Support library policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct; follow up with customers when necessary and alert Security Officers or managers about suspicious behavior and safety or security risks.
• Perform other assigned duties, including serving on task forces and committees.
• Assume responsibility for location operations in the absence of a manager.

Benefits

• Robust benefits package supporting physical, mental, and financial well-being.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off and leave options.
• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and additional investment and savings plans.
• Voluntary and supplemental insurance plans.
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level