The Alternative Services unit of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is responsible for the development of alternate service delivery strategies, programs, services and initiatives, including kiosks, bookmobile and alternate forms of service delivery, accessibility and homebound services such as talking book services, to meet the current and emerging needs of customers in catchment areas and support borrowing and lending of library materials to customers and persons with disabilities who are unable to access traditional library branch services.

You: provide customer service to library customers through mobile library units/vehicles; provide assistance with membership services; support materials and cash handling activities; perform bookmobile driving duties, vehicle cleaning, and control access to the vehicle.

Work is performed within the context of the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Mission Statement, Core Values, Customer Experience Guidelines and the Canadian Federation of Library Association position statements on Intellectual Freedom and Diversity and Inclusion, with particular emphasis on providing customer service excellence.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12

Minimum of 1 year of experience in a related field, including relevant driving experience and customer service experience.

Experience driving a bus or other larger vehicle is required for the large bookmobile units.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of driving routes in the City of Ottawa and relevant sections of the Highway Traffic Act
• Proper methods of lifting, loading and stacking heavy materials
• Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures
• Library circulation procedures and practices
• Methods and techniques for handling cash
• Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and resolving customer complaints
• General knowledge of Ottawa Public Library’s policies and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to safely drive a bookmobile or other mobile unit in all weather conditions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to respond effectively to a range of library service inquiries and resolve complaints
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively deal with the public
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to use computers, MS Office, a cell phone and other technology relevant to library services and programs
• Ability to carry out a range of circulation activities, including registration and collecting fees
• Ability to perform routine clerical tasks
• Ability to handle and account for cash, and prepare bank deposits
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to work effectively independently, and as a team member
• Strongly committed to quality customer service
• Dependable
• Good work ethic
• Attention to detail
• Adaptable
• Ability to perform routine manual tasks, including maneuvering book carts and lifting boxes up to 40 pounds