Senior Substitute (Intermittent)

Gamma Phi Omega International; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

Cambridge Public Library is seeking a substitute library assistant to provide coverage across Main Library and branches. You will assist with circulation, help patrons locate materials, shelve items, and support staff during shifts.

The role emphasizes strong customer service, teamwork, and adaptability in a busy library environment. Flexible hours and location coverage are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Ability to interact respectfully with a diverse public.

Responsibilities

• Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches.
• Perform circulation tasks: check-outs, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fines.
• Deliver engaging customer service to public and staff.
• Assist patrons in locating books and using library resources.
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Process deliveries and move/load bins; check in items.
• Monitor public areas and enforce library policies.
• Perform other duties as needed for library operations.

Skills

Strong customer service

Team player

Positive attitude

Calm under pressure

Public library concepts

Follow oral/written instructions

Respectful communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

ABOUT THE LIBRARY:

At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empowercommunity. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — theLibraryoperates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to Library Administration, SeniorSubstitutesprovideoutstanding customer service to members of the publicand support to library staff through shiftcoverage at the Main Library and all branches.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide substitute coverage for alldepartments and branches of theLibrary.
• Perform functions related to circulation: check-outs, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and similar related tasks.
• Provide outstanding and engaging customer service to the publicand colleagues.
• Assistpatronsin locating books and materials andusing libraryresources, referring them to other staff members as needed.
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Processdeliveries;move and unload bins and check in items.
• Monitor public areas of the library; communicate and apply library policies and procedures.
• Any other duties required for the good of the library.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or high school equivalency required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong customer service skills
• Ability and willingness to be a strong team player and treat colleagues with courtesy and respect
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude in all situations
• Ability to handle the unexpected and stay calm and professional under pressure
• Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly
• Tact. Patience. Maturity.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERREDREQUIREMENTS:

• ABachelor'sdegree or coursework beyond the high school level isdesirable.
• Fluency in a language in addition to Englishand prior library experienceis desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The job occurs primarily in library locations. Works in assigned area, including public spaces, office areas, work rooms, and training rooms as needed. May be exposed to moderate to high levels of noise, stress, and frequent interruptions.

SCHEDULE:

This is a substitute position without regular hours. Average of10 hours per weekwithinthe following hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9, Friday 8:30-6, and Saturday 8:30-5.Shifts and total hours will vary week-to-week based onoperational needs.Candidates must be very flexibleand able to work at all library locations.