Youth Engagement Specialist (20/24 hrs.) Shepard Branch
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 develops and delivers quality programs and informal engagements aligned with the library’s Young Minds Strategy, which helps youth establish the foundation for a successful life. The specialist 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 kindergarten through third grade, and support and preparation for tweens and teens toward high school graduation. The position is based at the Shepard Branch.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 2–3 years of experience working with youth or in community engagement.
- Interest and ability to serve youth and their caregivers and develop rapport with them.
- 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 promptly report to the job assignment and other locations as required.
- Ability to lift or push up to 50 lbs. occasionally and up to 20 lbs. frequently.
Nice To Haves
- Experience delivering programs and services to diverse audiences.
Responsibilities
- Proactively provide a high level of customer service by engaging youth and families in the use of library resources, activities, and programs.
- Create a safe, welcoming environment balancing a fun atmosphere, engaging 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 location and off-site.
- Answer customer questions and provide service throughout the building; locate appropriate information sources using a variety of 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 collection management activities for juvenile materials as directed; 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 personal skills and knowledge through library training, resource review, and professional development conversations with other 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 similar 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
