Job Description:  This is a professional position for a creative, enthusiastic, and patient community-oriented individual who is able to pivot, adapt and have fun. This is a great opportunity to create your own program!  Reporting to the library director, this position is responsible for the planning, implementation, and promotion of programs, resources and services for youth from birth to 12 years of age.   Along with the director, sets goals and objectives for the Children’s Department.  Works independently to evaluate current trends and to revise/develop programs as needed, following library policies and procedures and as budget will allow. Must be a team player with excellent customer service for all ages.

Essential Functions

• Considerable knowledge, skill and ability in the public library field as it relates to youth services including knowledge of current trends, literature, technology, and programming.  
• Builds, manages and promotes an extraordinary collection that is diverse, current and relevant to the needs of the community. Responsible for collection development and weeding of the children’s collection.
• Develops, plans, implements and evaluates programs for youth and families. Programs include, but are not limited to, Summer Reading, story times, crafts, holidays and school vacation activities.
• Provides in-house and outreach reference, reader’s advisory, programs and promotion of library services to children, families, teachers, daycare providers and other local organizations, creating strong partnerships within the community.
• Keeps current on emerging technologies and trends for youth and families. Proficient in library databases, apps and other technologies. Provides social media content for youth and families.
• Recruits and supervises youth services volunteers including scheduling, assigning tasks and documentation of hours.
• Participates in the formulation of policy and develops procedures related to youth services. Interprets policy and explains procedures to the public.
• Assists director in preparing annual budget as it pertains to youth services.
• Writes monthly and annual reports plus compiles, reviews, and interprets statistical data regarding youth services and reports these to the director.
• Writes, procures, and administers grants.
• Performs a variety of circulation desk duties as needed.  Uses automated circulation system to check library materials in and out, place holds, process holds for delivery and registers new patrons.
• Assists patrons with public computers, printing, scanning and faxing, as well as troubleshooting basic issues with this technology as needed.
• Contributes to creating an environment based in trust, open communication, creative thinking and cohesive team effort.
• Actively participates in staff development and training opportunities.
• Performs other related duties as required. Areas of responsibility may change periodically as library needs dictate.

The essential functions or duties listed here are intended 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.

Essential Skills

• Provide exemplary customer service to all patrons and excel at connecting with youth and families.
• Communicate effectively, deal tactfully, and maintain a professional demeanor with staff and patrons.
• Excellent organizational skills, and the ability to plan and prioritize work to efficiently and effectively complete tasks.
• The ability to be flexible, adapt, work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to learn and use library technology.
• Maintain patron confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Experience

Qualifications:  MLS or MLIS from an A.L.A. accredited program with an emphasis on children’s literature and services  preferred or equivalent experience.  Three years working in a library setting.

Knowledge of library operations, procedures and services, circulation software (Evergreen preferred), and trends in youth services.  Sensitivity and experience related to children’s special needs and child development required.  Must possess excellent customer service skills, oral and written communication, and planning and organizational skills.

Must demonstrate enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and ability to establish priorities.

Must work at all times in a friendly and cooperative manner with the public and other staff.

Schedule:   29 hours per week including one evening per week (Thursdays) plus one Saturday per month. Benefits. Other evening hours may be required as needed for programs and events.  Salary range $22 – $25 per hour based on experience. 

Job Environment and Physical Requirements: May be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.  Must be able to reach.  Must be able to lift on a frequent basis at least 10 pounds. Must occasionally be able to lift up to 30 pounds.  Must be able to work in an environment that is at times very busy and hectic

To apply email resume to Hope Bodwell at  hbodwell@cwmars.org. 

Only emailed resumes will be accepted.