Address
Form of workJob Type
Full-time
Description
Basic Information
• Reports to Assistant Director of Youth & Family Engagement and Bluford Branch leadership
• 40 hours per week
• $19.51 per hour plus excellent benefits
• Position open until filled.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Youth & Family Engagement in cooperation with the Bluford Branch leadership, provides and promotes Library youth services. This position requires an elevated level of teamwork, through collaboration with the other youth serving staff at Bluford, the entire staff at Bluford, the Digital Media Lab staff based at Southeast branch, and others. Maintains a home base at the Bluford Branch, implementing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based programming and initiatives with and for teens and tweens.
Job Duties
• Maintains a presence in the branch teen area of the Bluford Branch particularly during times when the other members of Bluford's YFE staff are out. Builds relationships with teens and tweens who come to the Bluford Branch, working to create and maintain a supportive environment conducive to learning, skill development, and adolescent development.
• Works with Library staff to plan and implement STEAM based programming and provide library services for youth ages 8-18 at the Bluford Branch through the lens of twenty-first century learning skills, connected learning, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
• Works with the Bluford and YFE team to ensure consistent staffing of the space and a safe and engaging environment for teens and tweens.
• Explores new and emergent technologies for use in Library branches with youth ages 8-18. Seeks to learn and share learning with teens and tweens who come to the Bluford Branch.
• Contributes to the Library's children and teens' social media efforts.
• Works independently and with colleagues to advocate for services for teens and tweens within the Library and in the community, and to generate publicity for programs and services at the Bluford Branch for this age group.
• Participates in planning and implementing system-wide programming for teens and tweens including the Summer Reading/Learning Program. Communicates effectively with staff in the branch regarding system-wide programing for teens and tweens ensuring that Bluford Branch staff understand the Youth and Family Engagement Department's approach to working with children and the principles and practices that inform this approach.
• Attends Youth & Family Engagement (YFE) and Bluford Branch staff meetings and other Library-based meetings and trainings as determined by supervisors.
• Communicates regularly with YFE Assistant Director, Bluford Branch leadership, and other Bluford Branch youth serving staff to coordinate budget, programming, and services for teens and to address concerns and patron needs.
• Maintains accurate statistics for programming and services. Prepares and shares monthly reports. Shares stories of engagement with youth, their families, and their learning environments (schools, youth support organizations, etc.) that demonstrate the Library's impact.
• Provides basic circulation and reference assistance including assisting with Library cards/accounts, explaining Library policies and procedures, providing Library instruction, answering reference questions, and recommending materials.
• Maintains effective, courteous working relationships with all Library customers and staff.
Requirements
• Ability to create hands-on, interactive programming with youth 8-18. Experience creating STEAM programming would be a bonus.
• Ability to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for teens and tweens.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to experiment with recent technologies and the capacity to adapt them and teach them to others.
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to work independently while keeping open communication.
• Minimum requirements include experience working with youth ages 8-18 and the important adults in their lives, learning new technologies, understanding of youth development, and a passion for working with youth.
How to Apply
Please apply for this position through our web application system. Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
