Description

For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.
Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 43,000 residents call Hickory their home and Hickory is the hub of a 365,000-metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, eight recreation facilities, two libraries, several golf courses, theaters, art museums, and 26 gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and offers public access areas. Please check out Hickory at www.hickorync.gov/employment, www.hickorywellcrafted.com, and www.MyHKY.com to learn more about Hickory, the surrounding areas, and what makes Hickory a "Well Crafted" City.
Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.
All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check.

Major Duties

• Provides service to both internal and external patrons
• Initiates, implements, and manages library services to children
• Prepares and presents age-appropriate programs for children; prepares and presents special programs
• Promotes and manages 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative
• Schedules monthly visits to childcare centers and delivers materials; plans themed book selections for delivery to childcare centers; plans and implements story time programs.
• Manages Paws To Read program; coordinates volunteer schedules and appointments
• Maintains program records and prepares statistical reports
• Plans and creates program handouts and brochures
• Coordinates partnerships with community agencies serving young children.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services to youth, parents, and teachers
• Assists patrons with the use of automated catalog system; assists patrons in the use of library computers and digital resources
• Sorts and shelves materials
• Gives library tours, library instruction and story times to civic groups by request
• Checks out materials, issues new patron cards
• Assists in the planning of department programs
• Assists in the selection of materials for library collections
• Develops and publishes booklists
• Troubleshoots technology problems
• Attends workshops and training seminars
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Knowledge of library science principles and practices
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of child development, early literacy, and children’s literature
• Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing a variety of software.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Head of Youth Services assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is spot-checked upon completion for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include city and library policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related patron assistance and children’s program development duties. The challenge of working with children contributes to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform technical duties in support of the library and children’s programming. Successful performance provides library services to local children, parents and educators.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with other library employees, teachers, parents, children and the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in a library.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program – 5 FREE visits
• 12.89% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
• Benefits package valued at over ($12,500) annually.