Youth Services Specialist

The Youth Services Specialist, under the supervision of the Children and Youth Services Librarian, performs an integral role on the library team, creating and maintaining Children’s department programming. Providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers, the individual in this role is expected to work a schedule of 40 hours per week having regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance. The incumbent must be able to work independently while operating the library during the evening and working a flexible schedule as needed.

INCLUDE COVER LETTER WITH YOUR APPLICATION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE BUT WILL NOT BE LIMITED TO:

• Assist with implementation of public services, policies, procedures and programs in accordance with the library's mission
• Assist Youth Services team with all children and teen programming including but not limited to: Teen Advisory Board, Big Kid Storytime, Preschool Storytime, Summer Reading Program, Teen Book Club, Special Events, and outreach events. 
• Create and implement programs for patrons ages 13-17, under the direction of the Youth Services Librarian. 
• Act as lead on Youth Services Team in absence of Youth Services Librarian. 
• Work with the PR Coordinator to promote/advertise children & youth programs.
• Act as evening lead staff.
• Open and/or close the library as needed.
• Provide reference and reader's advisory services to all library users, with a focus on services to children, teens, parents and teachers.
• Assist Children’s Librarian with collection management, including assessment and upkeep of materials.
• In coordination with the Children’s Librarian and Cataloger, may assist with light cataloguing of children’s materials.
• Assist with maintenance of the children/youth areas of the library, includes development and design of displays and cleaning and organizing areas after programs.
• Oversee work of evening volunteers. May involve training in all volunteer areas.
• Acquire working knowledge of regulations and procedures pertaining to library responsibilities.
• Work the circulation desk as needed.
• Complies with all library policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent writing, technical/computer and organizational skills.
• Ability to engage children/youth using stories, songs, crafts.
• Ability to work with children/youth, parents, and teachers with patience.
• Ability to work in open and frequently disruptive environment.
• Ability to concentrate on work tasks with interruptions from patrons of all ages.
• Attentiveness to safety and security of library patrons.
• Ability to listen to public with understanding and respond in mature manner.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and work cooperatively on a team.
• Understanding of confidentiality in patron records.
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude towards co-workers, volunteers and patrons.
• Ability to regularly lift up-to 20 pounds and occasionally move or lift up-to 35 pounds. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 
• At least one (1) year of recent experience in public library youth services OR at least two (2) years recent experience in a public library.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of library principles and practices.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Knowledge of compliance and law in a public library preferred.

Must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. 

Pre-employment background check and drug screen required.