Youth Services Library Assistant

Duties include assisting in selecting materials for the youth collection, assisting and conducting youth programs, monitoring behavior of children and other library patrons, maintaining and restocking of library materials, and training staff. This position helps set the tone for library youth programs and area and must be approachable and customer-service oriented. 

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assist patrons and guests, especially within the Families and Children in the Children’s Area.
2. Receive and follow direction from Youth Services Librarian and the Library Director.
3. Assist the Youth Services Librarian with monthly reports, time sheets, and other clerical needs.
4. Clean and maintain the Family Place Space area.
5. Provide services at the Youth Services Desk.
6. Organize and upkeep of the Youth Services Office area and Children’s Programming Room.
7. Assist patrons with book selection and check-out, as needed.
8. Maintain youth program records.
9. Assist and conduct, as assigned, children’s and teen programs.
10. Assist with and train in Read-to-Win programming.
11. Assist in planning and staffing weekend and/or evening city events outside of library hours.
12. Assist in creating book displays and seasonal decorations for Youth Services area.
13. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions.
2. Knowledge of the needs and abilities of children and the available library materials and services.
3. Ability to help manage behavior of children, promote their trust and encourage good reading habits.
4. Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the City.
5. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
6. Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations. 
7. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
8. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
9. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
10. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
11. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
12. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
13. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
14. Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
15. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
16. Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
17. Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
18. Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
19. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
20. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
21. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
22. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.   The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.   The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have high school diploma/GED.
• Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Microsoft Windows, and Internet navigation.
• Must have experience working with children in an educational or library setting. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous youth library work experience preferred.
• Two (2) years of college and/or experience in a public services unit of a Library preferred.

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Employee Services.   

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force 
• Work regularly requires sitting
• Frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing
• Using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions  
• Occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.