Job: Library- Youth Services Specialist

Job Description

Job Type: Part time, Hourly

Wage: $16.50-$18/hr.

Location: Trinidad, CO.

Job Description:

GENERAL PURPOSE

Responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing programs and services tailored to children, teens, and their families. They foster a welcoming environment, assist with reader advisory services, organize engaging activities such as storytimes, workshops, and literacy programs, and maintain and promote a youth-oriented collection of books and materials. Additionally, they collaborate with schools and community organizations to support educational and cultural initiatives, ensuring the library meets the diverse needs of young patrons. Strong communication, creativity, and a passion for working with youth are essential in this role. This position is for a youth specialist, established at 20 hours per week and is non-benefited.

CULTURAL VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The mission of every employee at the City of Trinidad is to deliver exceptional value and quality of life to all our citizens.  Each employee is measured by the ability to adhere to the city’s core value of Pride which is delivered through Purpose, Responsibility, Integrity, Dependability and Excellence.  As a City we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity for all citizens and recognize that it is a privilege to serve the citizens of Trinidad, Colorado.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required.  The City of Trinidad retains the right to modify or change the essential duties and additional functions of the job at any time without notice. Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive.  Responsibilities as outlined in the City Charter:

Note:  Regular and predictable attendance in the performance of this job is an essential function.

Programming and Events – 25%

• Plan, develop, and implement engaging programs for children, teens, and families, such as storytimes, book clubs, STEM activities, or art workshops in and out of the library.
• Organize summer reading programs and other seasonal events to promote literacy and learning.
• Organize and implement Storywalk® in Central Park.

Outreach – 20%

• Visit schools, daycare centers, and community organizations to promote library resources and programs.
• Build partnerships with local educators, parents, and community leaders to support youth development initiatives.
• Represent the library at community events to raise awareness of library services for young people.

Patron Assistance – 20%

• Assist young patrons and their families in locating books, resources, and digital materials that match their interests and educational needs.
• Provide guidance on age-appropriate reading material and resources for various developmental stages.
• Answer research and reference questions related to youth topics.

• Serve as the first point of contact for patrons who need assistance using library materials and information.
• Answer the phone and route calls.
• Guide patrons in searching the catalog and stacks.
• Help access databases and navigate the Internet.
• Assist with making copies, faxes or scans.
• Request ILL materials for patrons.

Circulation –15 %

• Checks out and renews materials.
• Processes holds.
• Sort and route materials to their proper location in order to assist patrons with borrowing of materials.
• Issue and update library cards.
• Collect and record fines and fees.
• Assist with collection weeding.

Administrative – 15%

• Track program attendance and evaluate the effectiveness of events to inform future planning.
• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment in the children’s and teen areas of the library.
• Train and supervise volunteers or staff assisting with youth programming.
• Use social media, newsletters, and other communication channels to promote youth services and events.
• Assist in weeding to keep the collection relevant and appealing.
• Stay current on trends in children’s and young adult literature and recommend new acquisitions.
• Identifies opportunities for formal training in the library.

Other Duties – 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Library operations, services, and collection development principles.
• Classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal System)
• Current trends in children’s and young adult literature, media, and resources.
• Development stages and age-appropriate activities for children and teens.
• Educational standards, learning styles, and literacy-building techniques.
• Library databases, catalogs, and software.
• Digital tools, eBooks, educational apps, and online resources for youth.
• Local schools, community organizations, and services that support youth and families.

Skilled in:

• Reference Interviewing.
• Program development and execution.
• Using and troubleshooting a variety of computers and mobile electronic devices.
• Problem-solving and creativity.
• Windows, MS Office Suite, and Publisher.
• Using Prospector.
• Using Innovative Interfaces, including Koha or another comparable automated library system.
• Customer services including dealing with difficult patrons and volatile situations.

Ability to:

• Operate various office equipment including copiers.
• Plan and conduct age-appropriate programming.
• Use good judgment.
• Work in teams.
• Work with confidential information.
• Perform duties independently and with initiative.
• Work in a fast-paced environment, while being able to maintain a professional and courteous attitude.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.
• Maintain effective working relations with co-workers.
• Adhere to strict library and legal protocols regarding patron policies.
• Learn about current trends in library services, and digital library services.
• Present information and respond to questions from staff and patrons.
• Learn library methods and procedures.
• Use research skills.
• Comprehend and follow instructions.
• Set priorities to meet assignment deadlines.
• Reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a willingness to be proactive and accept new challenges.
• Listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held.

SUPERVISION

Received:  Works under the general supervision of the Library Director.

Exercised:  None.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, or one to two years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Field of study business, computer or office management.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid current state-issued driver’s license and not be under suspension, revocation or denial nor have any prior alcohol and/or drug related driving offenses within the last five years. A driving record search will be conducted on all applicants prior to employment and will be subject to observation throughout their employment.
• Successful candidates must pass a background investigation and physical examination in accordance with job duties prior to employment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and may be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their employment as per City policy

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, Microsoft Office Suite, and databases; credit card machine, phone; fax, copy machine.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, typically office environment.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must on occasion lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Requires the dexterity, agility, and ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds without injuring yourself or others.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings and animals.  This position does require work on the weekends and may work nights and holidays.

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.