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SalaryAre you ready to work where you can make a difference in children’s lives every day? The Bastrop Public Library is looking for a dynamic, energetic, creative, personable, kid loving individual to join our team as a Library Associate - Children’s Services. This full time position is responsible for leading programs for children and their parents and providing assistance at our customer service desks. Some Saturdays and evening hours are required.
Under direct supervision of the Library Director, employees in this class perform professional library duties in the areas of programming, collection development, and customer service. This position is responsible for the creation and implementation of children’s and youth programming, maintenance of the youth collection, assistance at the public service desks, and creation of marketing materials and social media content and communication.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plans, prepares, and implements programs and events for children, youth, and families that foster learning and positive engagement with the library.
- Works collaboratively with the Youth Services Librarian and the library team in planning and implementing summer programs, family programs, adult programs, general library events, and outreach services to schools and other organizations.
- Assists the Youth Services Librarian in managing assigned collections, including, but not limited to, selecting, and ordering material, weeding, inventory, and evaluating donations for addition to the collection.
- Provides organization and maintenance of library materials in the Children’s and Juvenile collections to ensure ease of access and optimal shelf usage.
- Keeps current on topics of collection development and library issues specific to children and youth 0-12 and their parents.
- Works the Public Service Desks (Reference, Circulation, and Childrens) to assist patrons with the following: accessing the library resources, providing technology assistance, and completing reference interviews.
- Assists patrons with a variety of informational, educational, and instructional needs in a helpful and courteous manner that demonstrates excellent customer service.
- Utilizes the Integrated Library Management System to run reports, maintain patron accounts, and complete general circulation duties.
- Works with the library team to promote library programs and services through a variety of channels by creating, designing, preparing, and distributing information in print and digital formats; creating and monitoring social media posts; designing engaging displays; and seeking other promotional opportunities.
- Promotes library collections, services, programs, and partnerships through outreach presentations, library tours, educational collaborations, and other networking opportunities with a focus of encouraging community engagement.
- Represents the library on inter-departmental teams and at city functions and events.
- Attends professional conferences, meetings, and workshops to maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of library and information science. Travels as required.
- Assists the Youth Services Librarian with the implementation and changing of library policy and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
- Participates in Emergency Management Operations as directed.
- Performs related work as directed.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree that supports the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
- 1 to 3 years customer service experience
- At least 1 year of experience working with children in groups.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently.
- 1 to 2 years’ experience working in a library setting.
- 1 to 3 years’ experience developing and presenting programs for children.
- 1 to 3 years’ experience working directly with the public.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of general office software, social media applications, internet/web navigations, mobile application awareness, and office equipment and technology.
- Ability to create, plan, and present a variety of programs that support learning and positive engagement with the library.
- Ability to exercise independent judgement in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively; receive both oral and written instructions; listen actively to coworkers and the public.
- Ability to serve the public with patience, tact, and integrity.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public, especially children, youth, and their parents.
- Ability to work days, evenings, and weekends.
- Ability to work with children individually and in groups.
- Knowledge of children’s literature and resources.
- Knowledge of working with children in groups.
- Knowledge of standard library operations.
- Knowledge of routine clerical functions.
- Knowledge of current technology and practices of automated library systems.
- Knowledge of basic computer skills.
- Knowledge of Internet and on-line database and search skills.
- Knowledge of record maintenance principles and techniques.
- Working knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in selection of support materials and planning age-appropriate activities.
- Ability to issue and receive both oral and written instructions.
- Ability to sort and file alphabetically, numerically, and according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.
- Ability to read numbers and letters rapidly and accurately.
- Ability to serve the public with patience, tact, and integrity.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public, especially children and their parents.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull to retrieve files, supplies, and other materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull books carts, materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Some tasks may require exposure to dust, pollen, or outdoor environments. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Special Requirements:
Must be able to work holidays, weekends, or after hours for special events, meetings or during emergency situations as required.
The City of Bastrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO) and values diversity in its workforce. As an EEO employer, the City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
**Employment is contingent on passing post-offer, pre-employment drug testing/physical, and criminal background investigation.**
The City of Bastrop provides a generous benefits package that includes a mandatory retirement plan through Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), a voluntary 457 plan, as well as comprehensive medical coverage, Health Savings Account (HSA), life insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. The City pays 100% of employee medical and dental coverage and contributes 50% to dependent coverage.
