South Branch Youth & Family Program Coordinator

The Mount Prospect Public Library (MPPL) is seeking a creative, energetic, and community-focused candidate to develop, plan and present innovative and engaging programs for children birth through 5th grade and their families and caregivers at the library’s South Branch location.  

In this role, you’ll be part of a dedicated and collaborative team, providing inclusive, high quality customer service to patrons of all ages. Our ideal candidate will be bilingual, personable, collaborative and enjoy engaging children in activities that foster curiosity, a desire to read, and a connection to their community.   

As part of the Village of Mount Prospect's Community Connections Center, the MPPL South Branch offers programs and services that celebrate and meet the unique needs of our vibrant and diverse community.   

SCHEDULE: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week:

• Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 11am to 7:30pm
• Tuesday & Thursday - 9am to 5pm
• Saturday - 11am to 3pm, approximately once every four weeks

SALARY: $44,000 to $48,000, depending on experience and qualifications

BENEFITS

Medical, dental and vision benefits are offered. Part of the total compensation package also includes paid time off benefits (i.e., paid holidays, vacation time, personal days, and sick leave). Retirement savings options include participation in the IMRF pension plan.

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Community Engagement Director, the South BranchYouth & Family Program Coordinator is responsible for providing public service and planning programs at our South Branch location. This position staffs the South Branch public service desk, assisting patrons of all ages with circulation, registration, reference, readers’ advisory, and technology questions. This position also plans and presents bilingual English/Spanish programs for youth aged 0-11 and their families.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

• Public Service (approx. 60%)
• Programming (approx. 40%)

Other non-essential job duties may include material handling tasks, serving as an in-charge leader when needed, representing the Library, committee work and special projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Service

1. Applies MPPL values-based customer service
2. Assists patrons in person, on the telephone, and online with basic reference, referral, readers advisory, and technology inquiries in English and Spanish
3. Monitors the behavior and conduct of patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the branch and library resources for all patrons
4. Provides appropriate reference and readers advisory services
5. Executes basic/in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online and in-house database sources
6. Assists patrons at the public service desk in locating materials in physical and electronic formats
7. Assists patrons at the public service desk with all circulation and registration functions
8. Registers patrons for new library cards; updates library card records as needed
9. Registers patrons for library programs
10. Assists patrons with the use of public access equipment in the public service area
11. Performs basic computer and office equipment troubleshooting
12. Assists with outreach visits, programs, and school visits as assigned
13. Performs basic computer and office equipment troubleshooting in the public service area
14. Performs opening and closing duties as needed
15. Collects money for fees and issues refunds as required

Programming

1. Plans and presents programming events for children and families in English and Spanish
2. Researches and reserves outside performers for the audiences served
3. Works with library (marketing) staff to generate program publicity as needed
4. Collaborates with other library programmers and assists in coordinating library wide events
5. Works collaboratively with Village of Mount Prospect staff in the shared Community Connections Center building
6. Represents South Branch on relevant committees and work groups
7. Develops new programs/services based on the library’s strategic goals and community needs in conjunction with the Department Head and Assistant South Branch Manager
8. Prepares programming reports and statistics as needed or assigned
9. Keeps current in public library and program trends; monitors best practices in programming and developments in the field.

Other

1. Performs various Branch operation tasks
2. Plans and executes collection displays in coordination with other departmental staff 
3. Checks in, inspects and cleans materials
4. Shelves books and other materials in appropriate places
5. Reads shelves to ensure correct order of materials
6. May assist in translation of promotional materials (English/Spanish) when assigned
7. Attends appropriate meetings, workshops and seminars
8. Serves on committees as assigned
9. Serves as in-charge staff as needed
10. Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required (or the equivalent education and work experience).
• Work experience in a public setting desirable; public library experience a plus.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish required, additional languages a plus.
• Prior experience working with children in a library, daycare, or school setting is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & WORK CONDITIONS

Knowledge & Ability

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures   
• Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
• Ability to access, input and retrieve data from the computer
• Ability to handle cash transactions and/or operate a cash register
• Knowledge/skill in the use of readers advisory and reference/service interview techniques
• Knowledge of online search strategies
• Knowledge in the use of various computer applications and electronic devices
• Ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) in both English and Spanish
• Knowledge of literature, popular fiction, and non-fiction for all ages
   

Behavioral Skills

1. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
2. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
3. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.
4. Initiative. Able to bring about great results from ordinary circumstances; prepare for problems or opportunities in advance; transform leads into productive business outcomes; undertake additional responsibilities and respond to situations as they arise without supervision.
5. Planning, Prioritizing, & Goal Setting. Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks.
6. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce.
7. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.  
    

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a typical library environment.