Job Description

Posting number: 260900014

Department: Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

Division: Branch Operations

Job classification: Library - Youth Services Specialist

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Library

Summary

20250728080227_JMRL_logo_stacked_CMYK (1).pngThe starting salary is $18.13 an hour for this position. This is a substitute position, on an as-needed basis and does not qualify for benefits.

This Substitute Youth Services Specialist position performs responsible work planning, organizing, publicizing and conducting Jefferson-Madison Regional Library (JMRL) programs for children, young adults, and/or families. Provides reader's advisory and reference services for patrons of all ages and of a diverse population. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Central Library Branch Manager or Supervising Children’s Librarian, depending on assignment.

Examples of duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The JMRL retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Duties may vary based on assigned branch:

• Plans, organizes, publicizes, and conducts library programs for children, young adults, and/or families. Works within allowable budget, maintains calendar of programs, and utilizes outside presenters when applicable.
• Provides outreach in schools and other community organizations, and organizes tours and group visits to the library.
• Conducts and evaluates programs using a variety of techniques, resources and activities, and recording statistics.
• Designs creative and helpful displays, including books, bookmarks, information and seasonal materials, bulletin boards and room wide decorations.
• Pulls and processes books and other materials that have been placed on hold by patrons in other branches.
• Provides reader’s advisory and reference services and other assistance to patrons.
• Performs functions related to circulation of materials, including checking materials in and out, creating new accounts, and resolving patron account issues.
• May assist patrons at multiple service desks as assigned.
• Organizes and maintains library materials; shelves materials by call number including straightening and sorting.
• Maintains collection including suggesting new materials, identifying gaps in collection and participating in weeding.
• Conducts reference interviews in order to interpret questions and identify appropriate response; answers reader's advisory questions including preparing teacher loans and patron subject requests.
• Opens, operates and closes library building/department.
• Promotes library services and materials.
• May assist with the training of and assignment of tasks to library volunteers.
• May assume responsibility for department or building in absence of department or branch manager.
• Flexible schedule including days, evenings, and weekends.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of JMRL equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties:

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor’s degree and previous experience working with children, young adults, and families.

OR

• Associate’s degree and 3 years of experience working with children, young adults and families.

OR

• High School diploma or GED and 5 years of experience working with children, young adults and families.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated artistic ability to create visually appealing and accurate promotional and programming materials.
• Experience working with children.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Job Knowledge:

• General knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.
• Knowledge of children’s and young adult resources, needs and interests.
• Familiarity with productivity software and the Internet.
• Knowledge of circulation computer hardware and other technology associated with circulation of library materials.
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures associated with the circulation of library materials.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement library policies and procedures associated with public services such as the use of technology, meeting rooms, displays, food and phone use, etc.

Reading:

• Intermediate: Ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, technical journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.

Writing:

• Intermediate: Ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Ability to produce publicity for library programs and to prepare attractive and accurate booklists, displays, flyers and signs.

Math:

• Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Communication Skills:

• Intermediate: Provide and receive complex information. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with JMRL staff, leaders, and the public. Ability to develop and conduct programs and outreach to audiences of all ages.

Independence and Decision-Making:

• Requires General Direction: Normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills:

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

• May receive and disburse funds and prepares money for deposit.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics:

• Frequent change of tasks.
• Strong public service orientation.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Supplemental information

Physical Demands:

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Work requires pushing/pulling, standing for extended periods, stooping, bending, and carrying.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; uses book trucks, carts and bins, and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.