Outreach Youth Associate

Under the direction of the Outreach Youth Librarian in collaboration with the Mobile Services Manager and the Youth and Family Engagement department, this position plays a key role in the expansion the Library's outreach efforts to build a dynamic presence across the community. Engages children, youth, and families where they are by conducting youth programming at various community locations, providing outreach services to youth in the community, and partnering with youth-serving organizations.

This is a full-time non exempt position with an hourly pay of $20.05, plus excellent benefits. Position is open until filled. 

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm. 

Note: Schedule will vary somewhat. It will regularly include a couple of evenings a week and 1-2 Saturdays a month. Otherwise it will be an 8:30 -5:00 pm Mon-Fri schedule. Time worked outside the base schedule will be flexed each week to stay within the 40 hour allotment.

Job Duties (Essential Functions) 

1. Serve as an embedded youth library associate at events relevant to community outreach and mobile services, including bookmobile stops; showcases Library resources and promotes Library services. 
2. Provide and promote youth programs ranging from story-times to STEAM programming and teen activities at community sites visited by children and families, such as shelters, parks, after-school programs, health care facilities, housing developments, and juvenile detention. 
3. Support the development and maintenance of youth- and family-focused reading spaces at partner organizations. 
4. Identify new community partners and events by monitoring local news sources and social media channels, collaborating with branch and outreach staff members, and participating in relevant stakeholder group meetings. Maintain connections with existing partners through routine communication. 
5. Participate in the planning and implementation of system-wide programming for youth.
6. Drive a 23-foot youth programming vehicle to and from outreach locations across Kansas City. 
7. Perform other related work and undertake special projects as assigned.

1. An ability to create a welcoming environment for youth and their families in community settings and to provide engaging and effective library services.
2. Outstanding customer service and engagement skills with strong understanding of trauma-informed service.
3. An ability to plan and present programs for mixed-age groups of children in varied settings. 
4. The ability to maintain connections with organizations in the service area that serve youth and create new partnering opportunities.
5. The desire and ability to work with diverse populations (i.e. age, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.) with a desire to help close the learning opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect youth of color and those living in poverty. 
6. Flexibility, which includes a willingness to readily respond to changing circumstances and expectations and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
7. Ability to lift 30 lbs. 
8. Must be able to work in outdoor environments. 

Required Education and Experience

• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Missouri Class E driver’s license or equivalent. If a Kansas resident, a regular driver's license and willingness to study the Class E driver materials as it is required to drive book mobile.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and library or customer service experience.
• Prior experience and desire to work with children and teens.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages spoken in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili. – Ability to speak Spanish is highly preferred.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Library’s Truman Road Facility and public spaces throughout the Library district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office/warehouse environment, other work will be performed in a public space amongst patrons from a diverse socio-economic community. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.