Youth Librarian

The Kansas City Public Library•Independence, MO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Youth & Family Engagement and in cooperation with the Branch Manager, the Youth Librarian engages children in fun learning activities; promotes library service to children, teens, teachers, families, and other caring adults in the Library’s serving area; creates and conducts programming for children and teens; provides outreach services to youth and families in the community; partners with youth serving organizations; seeks opportunities to support the work system-wide in ensuring quality library service for children and teens.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming environment for youth and their families in the branch and to provide engaging and effective library services for this audience.
Outstanding customer service and engagement skills with strong understanding of trauma-informed service.
Working knowledge of children’s and teen literature, online resources, and an understanding of child and adolescent developmental stages.
Demonstrated excellence in story time planning and presentation, incorporating Every Child Ready to Read into these learning experiences.
Ability to assess the needs of the community, reach out to organizations in the service area that serve children and teen, and create partnering opportunities.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work with diverse populations (I.e. age, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.)
Demonstrated capacity for responding to changing circumstances and expectations.
Demonstrated desire to gain knowledge and stay current with trends and developments in library youth services.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Advanced computer skills including technology skills used in libraries.
Driver's License and ability to travel.
Able to lift 30 lbs.
Ability to speak and understand English is required.
Master's Degree in Library Science or equivalent combination of appropriate degree and applicable work experience.
Significant experience working with youth and children, and the important adults in their lives.
Understanding of child and adolescent development and a passion for excellent library services for and with youth.

Nice To Haves

Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.
Experience working with children and youth preferred.
Knowledge of children's literature preferred.
Experience planning activities for children preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides and promotes programming and services to meet the needs of children, teens, and the important adults in their lives with a focus on those in the Branch area of service.
Works as a team with the Trails West Branch staff and help ensure the operations of the branch in the absence of other branch leaders.
Meets regularly with the Assistant Director of Youth & Family Engagement to communicate concerns, share ideas and information, and solicit input or help as needed.
Assists in collection maintenance needs as required.
Seeks ways to market collection to branch patrons.
Communicates any concerns with children’s computers to IS to ensure they are in working order for the children who use the branch.
Participates in the planning and implementation of system-wide programming for children, teens, and their families.
Communicates effectively with branch staff regarding branch specific and system-wide children programming.
Assists other children’s librarians as needed.
Attends all Youth & Family Engagement and Trails West Branch staff meetings.
Relays information from YFE staff meetings to Trails West staff and represents Trails West concerns at YFE meeting.
Continuously maintains Microsoft Outlook calendar that is shared with YFE leadership and staff, and Branch Leadership and staff.
Connects with schools, childcare providers, and community organizations to provide and promote library services to children and teens.
Maintains accurate statistics for programming and services.
Prepares and shares monthly reports.
Notes and shares stories of engagement with children, their families, and their learning environments (schools, child development centers, etc.).
Utilizes data to refine and develop services.
Supervises temporary employees and volunteers.
Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.