Library Associate IV

Invitation to Compete #35-21: Library Associate IV

Central Library’s Children and Teen Services Unit

Two positions are available:
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time (64 hours per pay period) position

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time (64 hours per pay period) position, which includes regular hours scheduled in the Quick Information Center

$30.46 – $36.94 per hour

The hours for these positions will include weekdays, weekends and evenings. These positions are part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, The Seattle Public Library invites you to apply for the Library Associate IV positions in the Children and Teen Services unit.

The Children and Teen Services (CTS) unit, located in the Central Library, is a dynamic and demanding environment that serves a diverse patron base, including many youth-serving community organizations, downtown residents and tourists, immigrant and refugee families, and insecurely housed youth and families. The successful applicant will be flexible, responsive and capable of working on a high-performing team.

The Library Associate IV provides a broad range of information services for patrons in person, by phone, chat and email. This position assists patrons with using Library technology, which includes use of Microsoft Office software, searching the internet, downloading eBooks, using the Library’s online resources, printing and photocopying materials. CTS Library Associate IV staff also provide support to other departments at the Central Library, frequently working on public service desks on other floors.

The Library Associate IV utilizes a variety of skills to locate information in response to patrons’ requests and must be familiar with the Library’s departments and where to refer patrons. Questions will be on a variety of topics, including general reference questions and readers advisory; requests for housing, food and job search assistance; and questions about the Library’s services, policies and programs.

The Library Associate IV may be asked to provide presentations, serve on committees, assist with computer instruction classes, and help colleagues with programs and/or outreach activities. This position will also maintain assigned areas of the collection, under the guidance of librarians, as well as create displays and otherwise contribute to creating a welcoming and attractive environment for youth.

Job Responsibilities:
Performs basic reference services in all subjects, especially to youth audiences: Provide basic readers’ advisory and reference service in all subjects to Library patrons with an emphasis on reference and readers’ advisory for children, teens and families. Reference services will be provided in person at various reference desks including the Children’s Center, Teen Center, Mixing Chamber desk, and others as needed, by phone, and virtually using a broad range of information resources in print and electronic formats. Refer complex reference questions to the appropriate reference service point at the Central Library.

Administrative and operational support: Provide technical and administrative support, which may include typing and filing of Library records, preparing correspondence and reports, ordering supplies, assisting with department projects and contributing to the maintenance of SharePoint (intranet) pages for Library staff. Assist with the development of procedures related to outreach and programming and creates related documentation or training. Support internal and external communications.

Programming and community outreach support: Support the development and delivery of creative, high quality programs and outreach efforts targeting youth and family audiences. Assist by coordinating logistics of programming including organizing, communications, and marketing. Act as support or lead during events. Assist in the development of new programs or activities as needed. Collaborate with work team on the development and distribution of promotional materials and communication pieces in print and online. Support evaluation efforts and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Public/customer service: Provide excellent customer service while at reference desks, on the phone, or through email. Promote public awareness of the Library’s services, policies and procedures, including the Rules of Conduct. Assist library users with technology including accessing digital downloads and using the library catalog and databases. Offer basic information and referral or readers advisory service as needed. Provide excellent internal customer service with staff at all levels of the institution.

Qualifications:
Education: A high school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required. Post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience will be considered in determining a candidate’s competitiveness. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience delivering library services to youth and families: Familiarity with library services and resources for youth and families.

Experience using library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference and readers’ advisory resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias, online databases and maps. Experience searching databases and web search engines. Experience with using The Seattle Public Library’s website and current knowledge of services, resources, programs and events that are available to patrons throughout the Library system. Familiarity with other public technology support systems is helpful.

Excellent customer service and communication skills: Must have at least three (3) years of professional experience in providing customer service to the general public. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively respond to patrons’ communications and inquiries, resolve issues among staff and between staff and patrons. Must be able to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English. Must demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other staff in a team environment (on projects and in work groups).

Ability to prioritize and manage daily tasks: Must be organized, efficient and proactive. Must show initiative and use good judgment in prioritizing work. Successful candidates should have the ability to recognize and adjust what work needs to be done in order to support the successful operation of the unit.

Excellent judgment in problem solving and deductive reasoning: Ability to recognize problems and assess situations, to gather and evaluate relevant information, and to take appropriate action, including appropriate referral and appropriate application of the Library’s policies and procedures.

Experience using basic computer office applications and equipment: Must be proficient in creating and editing documents in MS Word and Excel, using MS Outlook (or a similar email and calendar application) and managing email files. Experience in managing electronic files and using shared documents in an internal, online environment. Experience using office equipment, including fax machines, photocopiers and printers. Ability to troubleshoot minor computer and office equipment issues and assist patrons with resolving issues related to computers and office equipment is helpful.

Project management skills: Knowledge and experience assisting with events or projects, including assisting with planning, scheduling staff and rooms, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, marketing and assisting with developing reports, informational materials and/or records.

Desired Qualifications:
Experience with maintaining SharePoint (intranet) pages or other online information for staff.

Experience working with racially, culturally and economically diverse communities.

Experience with interacting with people who are experiencing housing insecurity and individuals who are living with addiction or mental illness.

Familiarity with de-escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated experience using those skills.

The ability to speak and read Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya or Vietnamese.

Additional Information:
How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on July 24, 2021 to be considered for these positions.

NEOGOV online application

A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this opportunity.

Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Your responses to the supplemental questions that are included in the online application.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume and responses to the supplemental questions will not be considered.

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to [email protected]. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.