Youth Engagement Specialist (40 hrs.) Parsons Branch

Columbus Metropolitan Library • Columbus, OH

10d • $21 - $29

About The Position

The Youth Engagement Specialist creates positive, enriching experiences by engaging youth and their 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 position may also conduct outreach to schools and other organizations serving youth and perform collection management activities.

The Young Minds Strategy focuses on kindergarten readiness for ages 0–5, early literacy development for children in kindergarten through third grade, and support and preparation for tweens and teens toward high school graduation. The role is based at the Parsons Branch and works 40 hours per week. The stated schedule includes Mondays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; alternating Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and one in five Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–3 years of experience working with youth or in community engagement required.
• 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, engaging activities, relationship building, 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 and provide service throughout the building; locate appropriate information using available tools and resources and make referrals.
• Connect with schools and community organizations to promote Young Minds programs and services through presentations, community events, and networking.
• Diffuse youth confrontations, mediate, and reduce tensions.
• Perform directed collection management activities for juvenile materials; 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 to customers and staff.
• Maintain skills and knowledge through library training, reviewing resources, 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 the Security Officer and/or manager about suspicious behavior or safety and 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.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs.
• Generous 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.

What This Job Offers

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