Youth Services Assistant

POSITION TITLE:  Youth Services Assistant

REPORTS TO: Librarian II - Youth Services Manager

PURPOSE OF POSITION:   Responsible for collaboration with Youth Services Manager and Librarian to develop and implement programs and services for youth of all ages. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Develops, implements, and evaluates youth programs; co-ordinates in-house and outreach activities with the Youth Services Manager and departmental staff.

Treats customers and staff with courtesy, respect, sensitivity and confidentiality, communicating effectively and responding to their questions in an accurate, timely, and helpful manner.

Makes recommendations to the Youth Services Manager for book titles to ensure program objectives and needs are met. Assists Youth Services Manager in maintaining the Youth Services area.

Performs a full range of reference and readers’ advisory tasks so youth will have full access to the library’s resources including instructing or assisting customers in the use of the Online Public Access Catalog, Internet, electronic databases and other reference sources.

Attends various workshops and seminars to keep abreast of youth program concepts.

Assists with public relations for the library by developing brochures and flyers to promote and publicize youth programs. Advocates for youth-friendly services within the library and the community.

Assists Youth Services Manager with preparation of reports pertaining to youth programs.

Assists with circulation desk duties and customer service duties by answering telephone, circulating materials, demonstrating the use of library equipment, issuing library cards, etc.; ensures the confidentiality of all patron records.

Operates standard office equipment in the performance of job duties, i.e. fax machines, copier, personal computer, calculator, etc.

Participates as a member of the Library staff and demonstrates effective personal performance skills so that the work of the library is performed with cooperation, teamwork, and positive interactions with customers and staff. 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS: 

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of and ability to apply principles and techniques associated with library youth programs and activities.

Ability to plan and present a variety of youth services programs, both in-house and outreach.

Ability to accurately prepare various reports and other departmental documents.

Knowledge of and/or ability to learn to utilize computers and software applications as they pertain to library systems and automation systems.

Ability to learn the library collection classification system, circulation and reference methods.

Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.

Ability to operate standard office equipment and audiovisual equipment.

Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to type accurately using a personal computer.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions. 

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, community groups, local businesses, other employees, other governmental agencies and municipal officials.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire.

Must have at minimum an Associate’s degree. Bachelor’s degree or nearing completion preferred, major work in library science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Relevant experience working with youth and familiarity with children’s literature desired.

Must be bondable.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed indoors and requires a considerable amount of physical activity such as walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping, crawling and dancing.  Work may require routine bending, lifting and carrying office supplies, library books, and other materials.

The incumbent is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time, and to talk and hear at various volumes from soft to loud.  They must have the ability to transport themselves to and from various locations with the library and the city. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various other pieces of equipment and collection materials; to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms.

Work hours may occasionally be required in times of darkness.  The incumbent must be able to read small print.  The noise level ranges from quiet to loud and may be intense depending upon the scheduled activity.

Work requires extensive interaction with the general public, particularly children of all ages, and may be stressful when dealing with patrons and/or meeting deadlines.