Outreach Storyteller

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental insurance

KPERS retirement plan

Job summary

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is seeking a Youth Services Specialist – Early Childhood who will design and deliver programs for birth to five, engage families, and support information, reading, and technology needs in person, by phone, and online. The role emphasizes strong communication, organization, and collaboration within the library and community.

Part-time, 20 hours per week, with benefits and a competitive hourly pay range.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of contemporary childrens literature, authors, and pop culture.
• Knowledge of library tools and learning resources such as databases, print resources and online resources.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, preferably Office 365.
• Strong interpersonal, written communication, oral communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to travel to outreach sites within the community.
• Valid Kansas Drivers License with insurable driving record.
• Must obtain and maintain a negative TB test.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect customer service for information, reading and technology needs.
• Create age-appropriate programming for birth to five and engage families.
• Research, prepare, present, facilitate, and evaluate learning opportunities for the public.
• Content creation for publicity, displays, social media, and websites.
• Maintain clean, engaging spaces and ensure safety and library policies.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Travel to outreach sites

Technology aptitude

Adaptability

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office 365

Job description

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is looking for a Youth Services Specialist – Early Childhood who is energetic, an effective communicator, organized, and has a passion for sparking curiosity with young children in our community.This position provides direct service support to customers for their information, reading and technology questions needs in person, over the phone, and online. Excites customers about learning and reading. In addition, this position creates and presents programs, classes, learning experiences, displays, and digital content focused on a wide range of learning needs of customers, especially young children aged birth to five and their significant adults. They drive their own vehicles to various locations throughout the community and are reimbursed by the Library for mileage.As the Youth Services Specialist – Early Childhood some of the things you will do are:Customer EngagementProvide indirect and direct customer service. Deliver high quality customer service by assisting customers with library materials, digital resources, technology equipment, information needs, or other services. Engage with customers in person, over the phone, by email, by text messaging, or by chat services. Promote the use of services, materials, and programs to customers. These interactions may occur in the library or in the community, including at outreach sites and locations.Instruct customers on how to locate, reserve, and check out materials. Instruct customers on how to locate and register for services. Troubleshoot issues related to services, materials, and technology use. Interactions may take place in the library or in the community as outreach.Maintain collections and spaces for ease of use, attractiveness, and general upkeep.Ensure that customers are abiding by all library policies and procedures to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience for all library visitors and staff.Program DevelopmentCreate age-appropriate programming to meet the unique needs of youth aged birth-5.Research, prepare, present, facilitate, and evaluate physical and virtual learning opportunities for the public based upon community needs and interests individually and as part of a team.Follow the library’s programming framework when planning, presenting, and evaluating programs.Content CreationResearch, prepare, write/record content for publicity, displays, social media platforms, and websites under the advisement of the Communications and Marketing Department.AttendanceMaintain prompt arrival and efficiently and dependably maintain scheduled hours.A pre and/or post-employment drug screen, criminal history record check and physical capacity testing are required as a condition of employment.SCHEDULE: Part-time 20 hours per week. Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.PAY & BENEFITS: Hourly rate will be in the range of $18.81 to $20.93 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.Required:High School diploma or equivalent.A combination of customer service experience and/or post-secondary education to a total of three years.Valid Kansas Driver’s License with insurable driving record.Must obtain and maintain a negative tuberculosis (TB) test.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:Knowledge of child development.Knowledge of contemporary children’s literature, authors, and pop culture.Knowledge of library tools and learning resources such as databases, print resource and online resources.Computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite applications, preferably Office 365.Strong interpersonal, written communication, oral communication, and organizational skills.Ability to work with diverse populations.Ability to work cooperatively with customers, volunteers, community partners, colleagues, and supervisors.Ability to work independently and in teams.Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy.Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats to children and adults.Ability to use technology necessary for the position and learn new technology as it is needed.Ability to travel safely to outreach sites within the community.Ability to work scheduled hours, arrive promptly, and maintain regular, reliable attendance.Preferred:Two years of experience working directly with toddlers and preschoolers in a professional capacity.Multilingual fluency in English and at least one other language is preferred.