Youth Services Assistant (Children)

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Highwood, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Highwood Library & Community Center is seeking a part-time Circulation Assistant to work at the Children’s reference desk, assisting patrons with the collection, technology, and check-out processes. The role emphasizes delivering high-level customer service and supporting library resources. Hours are 18 per week, including some evenings and Saturdays.

The position reports to the Children Services Manager. Candidates should be bilingual in Spanish and English, with a High School Diploma or GED

Qualifications

• Bilingual: Spanish & English required.
• Availability on Saturdays and evenings required.
• Must be able to welcome all library users with a friendly and courteous approach.
• Must be able to work independently and complete tasks on time.
• Must have strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Must be dependable, detail-oriented, and reliable.
• Must be able to work well as a member of a team.
• 18 years of age or older with High School Diploma/GED; some college or degree preferred.
• Ability to communicate with manager and team about day-to-day tasks.
• Typical office skills such as Internet searches, using computer systems, answering phones.
• Flexibility in dealing with patrons and staff.
• Willingness to help out in special situations and cooperate as a team to achieve efficient library operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, courteous, and direct assistance to patrons with basic information about library materials, equipment, and services.
• Answer basic reference and readers’ advisory questions; assist with check-in/check-out.
• Instruct and assist patrons in using electronic resources.
• Contribute to the general order and care of facilities and library materials; collaborate with staff to plan programs and activities.
• Participate in collection evaluation and maintenance.
• Process materials.
• Collaborate in supporting library-wide programs/events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual: Spanish & English

Customer service oriented

Team player

Independent worker

Strong communication

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Some college or degree preferred

Job description

Join the 2021 IMLS-award winning Highwood Library & Community Center, a small but mighty library serving a diverse community. The Highwood Library & Community Center is an innovative anchor that enriches, empowers, educates, and embraces the community it serves. Our vision is to uplift, inform and grow the community through the library’s collections, programming and engagement strategies. The Highwood Library & Community Center is seeking a part‑time candidate for an open position as a Circulation Assistant. This exciting opportunity will work at the Children’s reference desk, helping patrons navigate the collection and technology, shelving materials, and making our patrons feel welcome at the library. This position will offer a high level of customer service to patrons and assistance with library resources. Part time, non-exempt position. Hours: 18 hours/week, including some evenings and Saturdays. Range: $17.00 - $18.50/hour. Benefits: Up to 40 hours per year of paid leave (which includes 3 personal days)

This position reports to the Children Services Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, courteous, and direct assistance to all patrons with basic information regarding use of library materials, equipment, and services
• Answer basic reference and readers’ advisory questions and assist patrons with book check-in and check-out
• Instruct and assist patrons in the use of electronic resources
• Contribute to the general order and care of facilities and Library materials. Collaborate with department staff to plan and manage programs and activities
• Participate in collection evaluation and maintenance
• Process materials
• Collaborate in supporting library wide programs/events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Personal qualities and qualifications

• Bilingual: Spanish & English
• Availability on Saturdays and evenings required
• Strong ability to welcome all library users with a friendly and courteous approach
• Must be able to work independently and complete tasks on time
• Must have strong collaboration and problem‑solving skills
• Must be dependable, detail‑oriented, and reliable
• Must be able to work well as a member of a team
• 18 years of age or older with High School Diploma/GED, Some college or a degree preferred
• Ability to communicate with manager and team about day-to-day tasks and ask for clarification as needed
• Typical office skills such as conducting Internet searches, working with computer systems, answering phones
• Flexibility in dealing with patrons and staff
• A willingness to help out in special situations and cooperate as a team member to achieve efficient library operations

Experience

• Must have experience working with children
• Previous Customer Service experience preferred
• Experience working in libraries preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Constant standing and walking. Lifting up to 30 pounds, bending, reaching, stooping, climbing, pushing and pulling in excess of 75 lbs., reaching, handling, and fine manipulation skills. Ability to communicate by telephone. Ability to handle and shelve books. Ability to use a keyboard. Vision: near and far. Speaking and hearing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The library work environment is usually busy and demanding. Children’s programs are often noisy and crowded.

Hours: 18 hours/week, including some evenings and Saturdays