Senior Library Service Specialist

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston's Houston Public Library seeks a Senior Library Service Specialist in Neighborhood Libraries. You will deliver customer service at public desks and by phone and develop youth programming such as story times and STEM activities.

You will create a welcoming environment, assist patrons with technology, promote library services, and collaborate with community groups. Evening and weekend shifts are required, with duties that may include acting in the manager's absence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; substitution allowed year-for-year with experience.
• At least 1 year of professional/paraprofessional library experience.
• Experience using MS Office and digital devices; bilingual is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service at desks and by phone.
• Develop youth programs: story times, STEM, arts & crafts.
• Create welcoming, safe spaces for youth and families.
• Provide computer and technology assistance and troubleshoot issues.
• Promote library services locally and systemwide.
• Outreach with community groups to enhance programs.
• Assist with collection maintenance and shelving.
• May serve as assistant manager in manager's absence.
• Evening and weekend shifts required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate’s degree + 3 years experience

Five years experience substituted for education

Tools

MS Office

OneDrive

Tablets

e-readers

Job description

Position Overview

Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking creative, team-oriented people with a passion for customer service to work as a Senior Library Service Specialist in Neighborhood Libraries. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, deliver outstanding customer service, and exhibit a genuine interest in engaging with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Application Accepted From

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division / Section

Customer Experience / Neighborhood Libraries

Workday & Hours

Monday - Sunday , 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ***subject to change***

Description Of Duties / Essential Functions

The Senior Library Service Specialist will provide customer service at public service desks and by phone, provide innovative programming in the library for youth of all ages including story times, arts & crafts, STEM, library tours, video gaming and after school time, create a welcoming and safe environment for youth and their families, provide computer and technology assistance to library customers and staff and troubleshoot technology-related issues, promote library services and programming both for the assigned location and systemwide, collaborate with community groups through outreach to enhance and promote library services and programs, assist with the collection maintenance, weeding and use of the collection and shelve and retrieve library materials, may serve as the assistant manager or the person in charge in the absence of the manager, evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) shift work is required, and perform other duties as assigned.

The Senior Library Service Specialist – Youth Will

• Provide customer service at public service desks and by phone.
• Provide innovative programming in the library for youth of all ages including story times, arts & crafts, STEM, library tours, video gaming, and after school time.
• Create a welcoming and safe environment for youth and their families.
• Provide computer and technology assistance to library customers and staff and troubleshoot technology-related issues.
• Promote library services and programming both for the assigned location and systemwide.
• Collaborate with community groups through outreach to enhance and promote library services and programs.
• Assist with the collection maintenance, weeding and use of the collection and shelve and retrieve library materials.
• May serve as the assistant manager or the person in charge in the absence of the manager.
• Evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) shift work is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About Us

The Houston Public Library’s mission—Linking YOU to the World—guides our vision to be Houston’s most trusted source of information. We are dedicated to fostering a connected and informed community, where all Houstonians have equitable access to resources and innovative tools that empower them to thrive in a global society. From early literacy to career development and lifelong enrichment, we are proud to support lifelong learning at every stage of life. We are more than just a place for books; we are a hub for community connection, where Houstonians come together to engage, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging.

Working Conditions

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

Experience Requirements

One year of experience in professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services or education is required.

Substitution

Associate’s degree and three years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education.

OR

Five years professional or paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.

License Requirements

A valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2) preferred .

Preferences

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.
• Experience providing programming and services in a library setting.
• Comfortable working with diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience using the MS Office Suite and OneDrive and electronic devices such as e-readers and tablets and other technologies. Experience in working with data and preparing statistical reports. Experience in training staff. Bilingual (Spanish and English) is preferred.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection / Skills Tests Required

The selection process will involve application review and/or Interview. The department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

PAY GRADE - 16

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.