Youth Services Specialist - Children’s/Teens

Providence Public Library•Providence, RI

13h•$0 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Youth Services Specialist to help inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning for children, teens, and their families. As a member of Providence Public Library's Youth Services team, you will help create welcoming spaces where young people can explore, learn, and connect through innovative programs, meaningful relationships, and exceptional library services. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, enjoys working directly with children and teens, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This role offers the opportunity to support engaging educational programming, staff the Children's Room and Teen Loft, build relationships with families and community partners, and contribute to PPL's mission of creating extraordinary learning experiences that empower the next generation. Key Purpose/Summary: This position is part of PPL’s Youth Services Department that delivers programming and library services to children, teens, and their families. They also contribute to the design, planning, and implementation of the vision for a full range of high impact programs for youth in alignment with the overall strategic plan of PPL. In addition to supporting Youth Services programming, they will help staff the Children’s Room, Teen Loft, and deliver library services.

Requirements

Relevant experience in education, youth development or a library related field
Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Willing to work a varied schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Consummate team-player who will help identify, nurture, and achieve shared goals with PPL staff, partners, and Youth.
Comfort with agile program development -- be willing to take risks and pilot projects, evaluate success and failures, and revise.
Lifelong learner with a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and supporting an institutional culture of learning. Actively seeks out and participates in yearly professional development opportunities.
Ability to adapt to change and able to handle multiple competing projects, priorities, and tasks.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communications, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy and comfort working in a multicultural environment.
Working knowledge of the educational/cognitive, and social/emotional needs of youth; ability to translate those needs and interests into effective library programs and services.
Knowledge of current trends in youth development.
Detail-oriented organizer with experience tracking progression of programs and activities that require collaboration and cooperation of others from planning to implementation.
Experience in data collection and reporting and strong computer and technology skills.
Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus.
Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization.
Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Responsibilities

Provide direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, resources, and services, including answering reference questions (in person, on the phone, and via email), assisting with material circulation, assisting patrons with accessing and using statewide online and digital resources, cataloging, covering, and shelving library materials, and registering patrons with library cards (including school/organization groups).
Support in weeding collection materials.
Shelve books.
Actively staff the Children’s Room and the Teen Loft and enforce Library and specific policies within the space as needed.
Communicate and collaborate with library staff on areas related to service to youth and families and contribute to overall Youth Services Department goals.
Participate in all staff and department meetings and committees as required.
Support in the creation, design, and implementation of programs for children and teens based on connected learning principles with special emphasis on 21st Century and social emotional skill development.
Support in the development and implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of patrons and the community.
Create an inviting, fun, and safe environment for youth that inspires learning and creativity.
Help facilitate workflow and successful delivery of ongoing, drop-in, and one-time-only programs.
Assist with Youth Services data and outcomes collection and contribute to reports and analysis as needed.
Mentor and coach youth and provide direct student support.
Visit schools, organizations, and agencies outside of the library as needed.
Actively recruit Youth and Families to participate in programs and assist them with registration as needed.