Library Outreach Assistant

LIBRARY OUTREACH ASSISTANT, FULL-TIME POSITION

The Grossmont Healthcare District (District) is a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East Region, and leases Grossmont Hospital operations to Sharp HealthCare on behalf of local taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, representing approximately 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County region.

Grossmont Healthcare District's Health & Wellness Library is operated by the Grossmont Healthcare District to help meet the health information needs of local residents. It is a free public library specializing in health-related materials.

The Library Outreach Assistant is a full-time position at the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health & Wellness Library and is responsible for a variety of library and outreach services, including the operation of the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle, and the facilitation of library materials and services to community members throughout the Grossmont Healthcare District’s boundaries (eastern San Diego County).

This position acts as an ambassador of the Grossmont Healthcare District and helps to introduce, connect, and provide quality library services to the broader community outside of the physical library. Enthusiastic and innovative individuals are encouraged to apply.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Library Assistant performs a variety of library services, with excellent customer service being the primary emphasis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) The main duties of the Library Outreach Assistant are (70%):

· Works independently and with other District staff to present Library materials, programs, and services to the East County community.

· Oversees daily operations of the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle and drives the vehicle to predetermined locations on an established schedule.

· Provides quality library services to the community independent of daily onsite supervision.

· Provides excellent customer service in-person, on the phone, and through email.

· Maintains cooperative relationships with nonprofit organizations and community groups and helps to identify potential outreach stop locations and partners.

· Collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative outreach information and prepares regular reports for the Head Librarian to monitor the effectiveness of services and programs.

· Assists patrons in locating and selecting books and reference materials; answers questions concerning library resources; explains library policies and procedures.

· Assists in maintaining the physical appearance of the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle, loads and unloads the vehicle, and ensures that materials are stocked, and equipment/vehicle is clean, orderly, and organized.

· Circulation tasks which include issuing new library cards, item check-in and check-out, holds, and overdue items.

· Ensures the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle is in good working order by performing daily inspections, refueling the vehicle on a regular basis, and reporting any mechanical issues to the Head Librarian.

· Respects the confidentiality of library users and records.

· Resolves patron problems in conformity with library procedures and policies.

· Follows all safety and emergency protocols and takes all requisite precautions to ensure that the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle and its services, programs, and materials are delivered to the community safely.

2) The main duties of all library assistants are (20%):

· Provides excellent customer service in-person, on the phone, and through email.

· Assists in maintaining the physical appearance of library; picks up litter, straightens chairs, fills displays.

· Circulation tasks which include issuing new library cards, item check-in and check-out, holds, and overdues.

· Offers basic reference service using library resources and recommended websites to assist the public in location of information.

· Assists patrons with computer, Internet, copier, and printer questions.

· Sorts and shelves materials.

· Records daily statistics.

· Maintains front desk petty cash.

· Assists, plans, and may lead library programs, classes, and events.

· Assists with promoting library services, programs, and all Library Outreach efforts.

· Participates in library and GHD meetings, events, and activities.

· Creates displays and exhibits to highlight library collections and health observances.

· Participates in professional development opportunities and staff trainings.

· Resolves patron problems in conformity with library procedures and policies.

· Opening and closing procedures.

3) Other duties of library assistants may include (10%):

· Researches materials to suggest for collection development.

· Processes new materials including labels, covers, and other classification tools.

· Website content updates and maintenance.

· Assists with setting up and breaking down of events, programs, and other special activities.

· Writes column for quarterly newsletter or blog.

· Produces flyers, brochures, and/or quarterly newsletter.

· Tracks supplies and requests orders as needed.

· Staffs the library table at community health fairs or other on or off-site events.

· Performs maintenance and inventory of library collection.

· Develops content and posts to library website and social media channels.

· Maintains brochure collection and display.

· Serials management including check-in, claiming missing items, preparing renewals, and updating the magazine list on the library website.

· Copy and/or original cataloging backup.

· Prepares monthly and quarterly library usage reports.

· Cross-trains other library staff on a variety of library tasks.

· Other tasks and projects as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Principles and practices of library practices, operations, and services.

· Operations of library computer systems, hardware, and software.

· Operations and uses of standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite).

· Consumer health topics and resources.

· Understand, interpret, and communicate established library policies and procedures.

· Resolve basic and complex customer service issues.

· Organize, set priorities, and exercise independent judgment within areas of responsi­bility.

· Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as policies and procedure manuals, vehicle maintenance manuals, and directional maps.

· Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Ability to safely operate a Mobile Outreach Library vehicle in varying and unpredictable road and traffic conditions.

· Ability to effectively promote the services and mission of the District and the Library.

· Ability to understand basic mechanical systems of the Library’s vehicle and manage vehicular emergencies.

· Ability to adapt to new technology.

· Ability to independently perform patron service and library support activities.

· Operate a computer and standard business and library software.

· Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

· Maintain confidential and sensitive information.

· Work independently with direction.

· Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.

· Minimum 2 years library experience.

· Library Technical Certificate optional

· Must possess a valid standard Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record, with no accidents or other major driving violations, as obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and mental demands and the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required for the performance of job duties.

While performing the duties of this job, if assigned to the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle, the employee requires mobility to operate a library van. The employee is frequently required to stand and drive for extended periods of time, to use hands to operate standard library and office equipment and to hear and talk to converse in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities include close vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. The employee must occasionally use proper equipment to lift and carry boxes of materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, if assigned to the physical library building, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, stoop, crouch, and occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Employee will be required to move materials and equipment in and out of the vehicle as needed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve routine and complex problems; learn and apply new skills and information; and perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and com­munications personally, by phone, and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds on a regular, ongoing basis; ability to work effectively under pressure on a variety of tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities. Working with the public may include intermittent exposure to indivi­duals who act in a disagreeable fashion.

If assigned to the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle, work is generally performed in the vehicle and/or varied indoor/outdoor locations, and some exposure to outdoor temperatures and weather conditions. The work is performed in close quarters with the possibility of no heating or air conditioning and no immediate bathroom access. Exposure to potential hazards associated with electricity, chemicals, and noise. Ability to push a loaded book truck required. Extensive travel may be required, and employee may be required to work evenings and weekends.

If assigned to the physical library building, the employee works under typical office conditions and the noise level is usually quiet. Evening and weekend work hours required on an as-scheduled and as-needed basis.

JOB LOCATION

Job duties will be performed primarily using the Mobile Outreach Library vehicle at community facilities, such as parks, libraries, businesses, schools, and also at the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Health and Wellness Library located at 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, California.

HOURS
This position is a full-time hourly employee position at 40 hours per week. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required by outreach needs and events. Specific schedules are determined based on current needs. Flexibility is required.

FLSA STATUS

This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Head Librarian, and takes direction from the Chief Community Health Officer, Head Librarian, and Community Health Program Specialist.

SALARY

$61,000 per year

BENEFITS

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

WHY WORK AT GHD?

The best part of working with the Grossmont Healthcare District team is knowing you are a part of our mission to build a healthier community. Serving the public’s interest, our staff is proud to make a difference, being responsible stewards of the taxpayers’ money and the community’s need for health care services. Our small team ensures each member has a big role.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online through Indeed.com. Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position. Position will be open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person