Youth Engagement Specialist (20/24 hrs.) Marion-Franklin 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 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 kindergarten through third grade, and support and preparation for tweens and teens toward high school graduation. The position is based at the Marion-Franklin Branch and is part-time, non-exempt, for 20/24 hours. The schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; alternating Fridays or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and two of every five Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., as assigned. The role provides youth and families with access to library resources, activities, and programs; fosters a safe and welcoming environment; provides customer service and referrals; builds connections with schools and community organizations; and supports the children’s and teen areas. The specialist may direct volunteers and volunteens, respond to youth confrontations, and assume responsibility for location operations when a manager is absent.
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 report promptly to the job assignment and other locations as required.
- Ability to occasionally lift or push up to 50 pounds and frequently lift or push up to 20 pounds.
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 location and off-site.
- Answer customer questions and provide service throughout the building; locate appropriate information 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.
- Help 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 skills and knowledge through library training, resource review, and professional development conversations with youth services staff.
- Use computer applications, library equipment, and other job-related systems; maintain 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 and/or managers to suspicious behavior or safety and security risks.
- Perform other assigned duties, including serving on taskforces and committees.
- Assume responsibility for location operations in the absence of a manager.
Benefits
- Comprehensive 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
