Youth Services Specialist

Pittsylvania County Public Library has a full-time position opening for a Youth Services Specialist at our Brosville location. Apply today!

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Performs responsible public library service and outreach work of a varied and complex nature to area youth and collaborates with other library staff in the provision of Youth Services throughout Pittsylvania County. Will plan, develop, promote, implement and supervise a comprehensive program of services that meets the needs and interests of youth, birth to young adult/teens, and their parents and caregivers. Also performs varied clerical and technical tasks in providing direct service to patrons at the circulation desk. Work is performed under the supervision of the Branch Manager. Active participation in the implementation of the library’s Strategic Plan as it relates to their job description is expected of all employees of Pittsylvania County Public Library System.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Develops, plans, implements and evaluates programs to provide library services to the youth of the community, promoting reading and life-long learning throughout the year through programs delivered in the library, at daycare/preschools, schools, and other venues. Serves as a resource to parents/caregivers and daycare/preschool providers in how to read and what to read to preschoolers. Conducts tours and single-time story times as requested by schools and community groups. Offers story time opportunities to new daycares and preschools in the county.
• Plans, develops, and delivers programs for elementary and secondary students to encourage use of the library collection and other library services/facilities in collaboration with the Branch Manager. Collaborates with school librarians to better provide library services for the youth of the community. Gives book talks and other programs as requested.
• Plans, develops and delivers, in collaboration with other staff, summer and winter reading programs for all ages. Reaches out to the community to provide needed programs and services supporting literacy and reading readiness in preschooler and student population.
• Plans, develops, and delivers family literacy programs. Supervises community volunteers and teen volunteers assigned to Youth Services.
• Compiles and maintains accurate data of program participation for Youth Services. Prepares accurate reports and submits them in a timely manner to the Branch Manager and Director as required. Keeps informed of current trends, development and practices affecting Youth Services by attending regional/state conferences and meetings; by reading professional journals and networking with area library staff responsible for Youth Services. Serves on local/regional/state Youth Services committees when requested or assigned.
• Assists in the promotion of library services and programs, particularly for services to youth and their families and caregivers. Prepares posters, flyers, and pamphlets, promoting and/or informing youth and their families of library services and programs. Creates appropriate displays of children’s/young adult authors, literature and informational topics.
• Maintains effective relationships with school librarians, daycare providers/preschool administrators and other community agencies serving youth in order to promote library services. Maintains an attractive and functional Youth Services area for children and teens.
• Checks areas of Youth Services to ensure safety and order as well as checking general library areas when working at the circulation desk.
• Opens and closes library facilities according to prescribed procedures when scheduled for evening and weekend hours. Provides public services at the circulation desk as scheduled.
• Checks materials in and out utilizing library automation system efficiently and accurately.
• Registers patrons and issues library cards and informs patrons of library policies. Answers patron questions manner through use of telephone, electronic methods, and by personal contact. Accepts and accurately documents all incoming fees and fines and places in cash drawer. Assists patrons with copying, scanning, and faxing. Organizes returned library materials on book trucks for shelving. Assists in locating materials; accepts and fills patron requests for materials; calls patrons when hold materials are available. Provides readers’ advisory, assisting patrons in selection and location of books and all other library materials; refers to another staff member when necessary.
• Works in other branches as requested. Attends workshops and conferences as appropriate.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Collaboration/Teamwork
• Personal Accountability/Delivering Results
• Diversity and Inclusion

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Four-year degree from an accredited college or university, and significant experience working with children of all ages required. Public service experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL: Knowledge of current library principles, methodology and practices of library services and programs including, but not limited to, children’s and young adult services. Experience working with all ages of children and teens and the ability to establish good rapport with them and their parents/caregivers. Working knowledge of children’s and young adult literature and other resources. Ability to use all available online resources. Strong computer skills. Familiarity with library automation software and other standard library and office equipment. Significant knowledge and experience in library program planning and delivery. Experience working with the general public of all ages. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Effective public speaking and presentation skills. Ability to plan, organize and direct own work and that of volunteers effectively. Ability and skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, youth service providers at branch libraries, other coworkers, library patrons, vendors and the public. Ability to accept supervision. Ability to exercise initiative, resourcefulness, problem-solving and leadership. Good judgment, tact and courteousness. Willingness and ability to travel as needed to carry out essential job duties and training.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Working hours may include evenings and Saturdays.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing perception is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. library, private offices).

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties and performance that may be required of employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments an employee may be given. The County reserves the right to modify the job description as deemed appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $48,645.16 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person