Media Specialist - RHS (2026-2027 School Year)

HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:

Develop and supervise a media program which supports the instructional objectives of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in library science, Virginia state teaching license in library science or accredited endorsement in library science.
• Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Experience in teaching and responding to the information needs of young people, and the management and administration of library media services.
• Personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, faculty, and community members.
• Proficiency in public speaking and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.
• Demonstrates knowledge of instructional strategies and classroom management skills related to scientifically-based research and its implementation.
• Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns. Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, administration, staff, co-workers and community agencies.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks. Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Destiny (or equivalent software) and email.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitate use of the library by students, teachers, and classes.
• Schedule and manage any assistants, student support, or volunteers as applicable.
• Prepare financial and statistical reports related to media resources.
• Supervise circulation procedures.
• Provide instruction for classes, small groups and individuals. Instruction may include library skills, library standards, language arts and content standards, STEM, and computer science standards.
• Assist teachers in integrating the use of library resources in the classroom.
• Participate regularly in team and curricular meetings - school based and/or division level.
• Provide professional materials and in-service training to the faculty.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures to facilitate selecting, ordering, processing, organizing, circulating and weeding materials, while maintaining accurate library records and files.
• Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students and staff and protect and maintain equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
• Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
• Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and community members. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Regular contact with staff members is required. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.