Assistant Youth Services Librarian TEST DO NOT APPLY

Hartford Public Library (CT); Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Paid sick time

Mental health support

Professional development

DEI commitment

Job summary

Hartford Public Library is seeking a part-time Youth and Family Services Programming Assistant to support youth and caregiver programs and digital literacy efforts at the Hartford location.

The role collaborates with Youth and Family Services Librarians to create engaging workshops, promotional materials, and community outreach in Hartford. A high school diploma is required; bilingual abilities and a Bachelor's degree are preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent and at least 1 year of youth-facing experience.
• Experience using social media platforms.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree and bilingual abilities.
• Strong teamwork and commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed programming.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate library programs and workshops for youth and teens.
• Create signs and flyers for programs and services.
• Assist with needs assessments to tailor services.
• Provide digital literacy instruction to youth and caregivers.
• Support youth outreach events and collaborate with branch staff.
• Connect branch activities with systemwide Youth Services initiatives.
• Deliver strong customer service and safe library operations.

Skills

Youth engagement

Social media

Transportation access

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Youth and Family Services Programming Assistant – Part-Time

The Youth and Family Services Programming Assistant provides library service and programming for and with youth (ages Birth–19) and those who work with teens.

The Youth and Family Services Programming Assistant will guide youth as they explore digital media and library resources. This position ensures the highest level of service is provided by staff to all customers.

This position is supervised by the Branch Manager as well as the Teen Services Department and works in collaboration with the Youth and Family Services Librarian at the branch.

Typical Schedule

Up to 25 hours per week:

• Monday–Thursday: 1:00 PM–6:00 PM or 3:00 PM–8:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
• Saturday: Rotation

Responsibilities Include:

Programming and Outreach

• Working in collaboration with Youth and Family Services Librarians, organizes and facilitates library programs and workshops for youth that educate, inform, and inspire to fulfill the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local youth.
• Creates signs and flyers for library programs and services.
• Assists with community needs assessments by providing feedback to the Branch Manager and Youth Services Librarian to create tailored services and programs to address identified needs.
• Aids in providing youth and caregivers with instruction in information gathering and digital literacy skills.
• Assists the Youth Services Librarian during outreach events.
• Connects with and supports Youth Services Department systemwide programming and objectives.

Customer Service

• Provides prompt, courteous, and direct assistance to all patrons with basic information regarding use of library materials, equipment, and services.
• Provides welcoming customer service to all customers.
• Ensures safe conditions for staff, public, and building operation and takes appropriate action in building emergencies.
• Positively reflects Hartford Public Library's mission, vision, and values to staff and the public.

Other duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and Experience/Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience working directly with youth (ages Birth to 19) from diverse backgrounds.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the developmental, recreational, and educational needs of young adults.
• Experience using social media technology.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree.
• Bi-lingual abilities preferred.
• Knowledge of current trends in library services for and with young adults.
• Knowledge of standard library procedures, current information technology, Internet, and database search capabilities.
• Knowledge of connected learning and ability to design programs that embed connected learning principles.
• Cultural competence skills.
• Strong commitment to working in a team environment is required.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks and meet program deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both professional and non-professional, co-workers, management personnel, and the public.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Practices.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Ability to continuously bend, twist, stoop, reach, and pull.
• Ability to keep composure in everyday, potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to meet a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Able to walk, sit, and stand for extended periods.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lifting moderate to heavy weight material up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer Employees

Hartford Public Library offers part-time benefits you won’t find at other nonprofit organizations through a unique partnership with the City of Hartford. This includes:

• Paid vacation time – prorated based on part-time status.
• Paid sick time – prorated based on part-time status.
• Mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – first 3 sessions at no cost to the employee.
• Paid professional development, continuing education, and staff engagement opportunities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including an active plan and implementation of a staff-led DEI Road Map.

What We Offer the Community

Hartford Public Library is a national leader in redefining urban public libraries in the 21st century as innovative, stimulating, and engaging spaces where people can learn and discover, explore their passions, and find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life.

We are an integral part of the Hartford community and offer programs for all our citizens. With 7 locations and robust outreach services, we are here for Hartford. Our programs include:

• The American Place – Offers a variety of free services to welcome immigrants and refugees, including English Language Learning, Citizenship preparation, and civic engagement.
• Digital Library Lab
• Hartford History Center
• HPL Studios
• YOUmedia teen spaces
• Baby Grand Jazz – A free series of jazz performances open to everyone.
• Summer Learning
• Leap into Learning – Early Literacy
• Adult education classes and support
• Career Certification and GED
• Technology training and digital literacy
• Library of Things
• Robust print, electronic, audio, and video collections
• And so much more!