Youth Services Library Associate

Do you enjoy working with Hispanic communities? ¿Disfruta haciendo conexiones con los niños y sus familias? If you can say "sí" to these, we have the position for you

The McHenry Public Library District seeks a bilingual, collaborative, and service-oriented professional to join our Youth Services Team. The ideal candidate for this position will support our Library's mission by assisting Spanish-speaking patrons in the library. The primary responsibilities of the position include assisting the Questions Desk, translating materials for programs, services, and collections, performing bilingual outreach to area schools and organizations, and planning and executing bilingual programming that is educational, entertaining, enriching, and culturally relevant for our Hispanic population (ages 18 and under and for families). This position may have the opportunity to select some materials for the Youth collection. The skills required for this position are excellent interpersonal skills, fluency in both verbal and written English and Spanish, a flexible presentation style, and the ability to adapt to the Library's technology needs. The salary range for this position is $17.00-$19.57/hour, depending on qualifications.

Schedule: This position includes the majority of afternoon hours, with some evening hours and weekend hours.

Benefits: Includes IMRF (Pension Plan) and Paid Time Off benefits.

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Youth Services Manager, contributes to the planning and implementation of library programs, collections, and services to youth and teens. Primarily serves ages birth through age 18 and their caregivers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Answers reference questions and provides basic reader's advisory in person, by telephone, or by email in a prompt, courteous, and confidential manner.
• Maintains working knowledge and can provide basic instruction in library technology, including but not limited to catalogs, eReaders, tablets, laptops, public computers, printers, copiers, scanners, hotspots, and fax machines.
• Maintains knowledge of current and popular youth and teen literature and other media.
• Keeps current with print and online reference and reader advisory resources to answer patron questions competently.
• Prepares and merchandises department displays and creates bibliographies.
• May plan and implement programs that respond to the needs and interests of youth, teens, and/or caregivers, which may include story times, summer reading, book clubs, after-school activities, and family programs, both in person and virtually.
• May assist in selecting and maintaining materials for assigned areas of the youth and/or teen collections in various formats.
• Participates in professional development and networking activities both in person and online.
• Ensures all policies and procedures of the McHenry Public Library District are followed.

Bilingual Services, specialized tasks include:

• Can perform all duties in Spanish and has fluent ability to read, write and speak/converse in Spanish.
• Designs and implements culturally relevant programs and events.
• Translates youth materials for programs, services, and collections. May also assist other departments in preparing translated documents. 
• Performs community needs assessment to identify the Hispanic Community needs to create tailored services and programs to address identified needs.
• Under the guidance of the School Services Librarian provides school services to Spanish language and ESL classes.
• Provides outreach assistance to community groups also serving the Hispanic community. 

Additional Duties

• May communicate and cooperate with schools, daycares, and other local community organizations that serve youth and teens.
• May serve on library committees and committees of library and community organizations that align with the library's mission.
• May maintain library website and social networking sites.
• The staff may be in the role of one or more of the following areas: Early Literacy, Youth Programming, Teen Services, School Services, and/or Bilingual Services.
• Assumes other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

• Associate's degree, LTA or equivalent course work/ and previous library experience; Bachelor's degree desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient technology skills, including Microsoft Windows and Office applications, Google Suite applications, Internet, eReaders/tablets, online video conferencing/sharing platforms, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
• Knowledge and appreciation of popular materials for youth and teens.
• Understanding of the recreational and educational needs of today's youth and teens.
• Ability to complete detailed work accurately, efficiently, and on time with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments independently or as a team.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish) are required.

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and see.  
• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach with hands and arms, get down on floors, climb stools, and perform other physical tasks.
• Repeated movements with the wrists, hands, and/or fingers while using a keyboard.
• Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time of work, including possible extreme hot and cold weather.
• Noise level is generally similar to an office environment but may be loud at times.
• The employee will occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and push or pull carts up to 100 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MPDL participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $17 - $20