Youth Librarian (Plaza)

Under the general supervision of the Plaza Youth Services Manager in cooperation with the Plaza Branch Senior Manager, engages children in fun learning activities, and promotes library service to children, teachers, families, and other caring adults in the Plaza Branch serving area. Creates and conducts programming for children, provides outreach services to youth in the community, and partners with youth serving organizations. Seeks opportunities to support the work system-wide in ensuring quality library service for children and youth in Kansas City.  

This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $51,036, plus benefits . 

Schedule

Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm

Wednesday: 12:30 pm - 9 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm

Job Duties (Essential Functions) 

1. 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 Plaza area of service. These include coordinating youth events at the location, maintaining a child and youth friendly and interactive space, as well as conducting school visits and representing the Library at Outreach events.  
2. Works as a team with Youth Services staff at Plaza and may serve as the leader in charge when the Youth Services Manager is not available. Helps ensure the operations of the location in the absence of other location leaders. 
3. Meets regularly with Plaza Youth Services Manager to communicate concerns, share ideas and information, and solicit input or help as needed.  
4. Assists in collection maintenance needs as required. Seeks ways to market collection to location patrons.  
5. Communicates any concerns with children’s computers to IS to ensure they are in working order for the children who use the location.
6. Participates in the planning and implementation of system-wide programming for children, teens, and their families. Communicates effectively with staff in the location regarding branch specific and system-wide children programming. Assists other youth librarians as needed. 
7. Attends all Youth & Family Engagement and Plaza staff meetings. Relays information from YFE staff meetings to Plaza staff and represents Plaza concerns at YFE meeting. 
8. Continuously maintains Microsoft Outlook calendar that is shared with YFE leadership and staff, and location leadership and staff. 
9. Connects with schools, childcare providers, and community organizations to provide and promote library services to children and teens.  
10. 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.  
11. Other responsibilities include supervising temporary employees and volunteers, and assisting other branches with Kid’s Cafe.
12. Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.  

1. Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming environment for children and their families in the branch and to provide engaging and effective library services for this audience.  
2. Outstanding customer service and engagement skills with strong understanding of trauma-informed service.  
3. Working knowledge of children’s and teen literature, online resources, and an understanding of child and adolescent developmental stages. 
4. Demonstrated excellence in story time planning and presentation, incorporating Every Child Ready to Read into these learning experiences. 
5. Ability to assess the needs of the community, reach out to organizations in the service area that serve children and youth, and create partnering opportunities. 
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team and handle multiple projects simultaneously. 
7. Demonstrated capacity for responding to changing circumstances and expectations.  
8. Demonstrated desire to gain knowledge and stay current with trends and developments in library children and youth services. 
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions. 
10. Advanced computer skills including technology skills used in libraries.  
11. Must have reliable transportation to access locations throughout the Library District.
12. Ability to work with diverse populations (i.e., age, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.).
13. Able to lift 30 lbs. 
14. Ability to effectively communicate in and understand English is required. Additional consideration may be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages utilized in the Kansas City area including American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili. 

Required Education & Experience 

• Master’s Degree in library Science or the equivalent combination of other Master's or Bachelor's degree and applicable work experience. 
• Significant experience working with youth and the important adults in their lives. 
• Understanding of child and adolescent development and a passion for excellent library services for and with youth. 
• Experience working with children and youth preferred. 
• Knowledge of children's literature preferred. 
• Experience planning activities for children preferred. 

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed at the Plaza Branch. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community. Working at other library locations and in the community occurs occasionally.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list 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.

How to Apply

Please apply for this position through our web application system. We only accept applications for specific currently open positions made through our online system. Access the online application from the job listing on the Job Opportunities page. The application system allows you to attach a document (such as a cover letter or a resume) toyour application (10MB limit per document). When you submit your application, anacknowledgement will be sent to the email address you provided. You are welcome to apply for asmany positions as you wish. However, to minimize problems, close and restart your browserbetween each application.

All online Application for Employment forms must be completely filled out. For technical assistance, call 816.701.3712.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating aninclusive environment for all employees.