Librarian I - Youth Services

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Youth Services Librarian

DEPARTMENT: Children’s Room

LOCATION: Priscilla Gardner Main – Children’s Room

REPORTS TO:  Librarian II

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Librarian I

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $62,395 - $67,085 per year

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

WORKWEEK: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (35 hours/week). Evenings and weekends as needed.

About the Position

As part of the Youth Services Division and reporting to the branch/department.  The individual in this role is responsible for providing services to Children and Youth.  This includes but is not limited to developing/delivering after school programs, providing homework help, delivering story times and other programs; maintaining the department’s youth collections; promoting use of library materials and services; performing outreach to schools and others supporting youth; preparing reports; keeping informed of professional developments; and performing other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for children’s and young adult literature; familiarity with current library technologies; the ability to perform both independently and as a team member; experience in planning and conducting children’s programming; an energetic approach to outreach to schools, daycares and community partners; excellent communication skills; enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility and a sense of humor. The ideal candidate will have experience in preschool programming and promoting early literacy practices, afterschool programming and homework help.

* Please note, this vacancy announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration 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 work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

JOB DUTIES:

· Develop and present library programming for ages 0-18; create displays and informational materials to highlight book collections or services; collaborate with engagement/outreach departments on programs; ability to build relationships with local organizations to support library goals

· Assist patrons at the circulation desk or with technology; answer reference questions and provide research services; conduct readers’ advisory; perform circulation tasks using SIRSI; assist in material selection

· Plan, develop, and implement library programs at the library and/or off-site; share program information with Communications team, including photos, blurbs, booklists, etc.

· Contribute to tasks and projects; track and review work progress and activities; provide feedback on policies and procedures and relay them to other staff members

· Promote good customer service, including some public speaking involving tours and teaching library skills to small groups; effectively handle patron complaints; develop and maintain a positive, helpful and professional approach to the overall community as well as individual library customers; improve ADA accessibility (physical and digital access)

· Network and collaborate with Outreach Services, educational entities, City departments, and other service agencies to promote services, activities, and goals of the library; attend meetings and serve on committees as needed; stay up to date on trends and innovations in the fields of library and educational services.

· Perform other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication/Collaboration

• Communicates effectively using a variety of methods
• Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals
• Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes
• Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors
• Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs

Customer Service

• Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience
• Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service
• Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction
• Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff
• Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service

Professional Development

• Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge
• Uses creative and innovative approaches
• Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library
• Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning

Community Engagement

• Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services
• Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders
• Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations
• Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services

Technology

• Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management

• Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions

• Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.
• A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science in a library program accredited by the American Library Association or from a New Jersey college Master’s program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison College. 

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT SKILLS:

• Ability to manage and administer a library program.
• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (such as Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, etc.).

NOTES:

For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description is associated with a N.J. Civil Service job title; the New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act.

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $62,395 - $67,085 per year