Program Associate, Jail and Prison Services (Temporary)

Department: Branch Libraries

Location: Andrew Heiskell Library

Compensation: $50,000 - $54,000 / year

Description

Overview
The Jail & Prison services Program Associate will regularly visit NYC jails, neighborhood libraries, and community agencies to provide library services, programs and information to New Yorkers impacted by incarceration. The Associate will participate in the facilitation and delivery of programs for incarcerated people and their families. These services include family literacy programming for incarcerated parents, book loan services at NYC jail, and reentry programming for families in our branches. The Associate will perform the related administrative duties necessary to deliver effective and organized services, including preparing program materials and maintaining book collections.
This position is a full-time temporary position until June 30, 2027.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own:

• Conducting outreach into the NYC jails
• Collections Development
• Organization and transportation of materials
• Ordering and obtaining supplies and materials

Teach:

• Advisory services
• Reading and literacy skills

Learn:

• How to deliver programs for incarcerated people and their families
• How to evaluate the viability and effectiveness of JPS
• Collection development
• Develop new skills

Improve:

• Services by bringing new ideas
• Relationships between NYPL and Department of Corrections

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Get familiar with the mission, goals, and initiatives as it relates to the position.
• Get knowledge about the programs, ask questions
• Build relationships
• Complete trainings

3 months, this person will:

• Be able to work independently
• Have a clear understanding of the team dynamics

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Contributes to the planning and development of programing
• Develop new skills and strengthen your knowledge of community engagement
  

Responsibilities

• Regularly visits NYC jails to provide on-site circulation, basic reference and reader’s advisory service to incarcerated patrons
• Assists with the organization, development and weeding of the CS collections
• Makes frequent decisions in collection development based on patron interests and requests, with input from team and manager
• Represents NYPL at outreach events, city agencies, and community based organizations related to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
• Delivers programs for incarcerated people and their families, including family literacy programming for incarcerated parents
• Works with team to evaluate the viability and success of jail library services, creating new service models when necessary
• Performs other related duties as expected
  
  

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience with working with correctional services

Required Experience

• Customer service experience
• Demonstrated experience working on a team
• Working knowledge of computers and other related technology skills, including Google drive.
• Practical Knowledge of jail facilities or courts preferred
• One or more years experience working with people who are impacted by incarceration or criminalization preferred

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment.
  
  

More...

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Open space cubicles
• Office setting
• Public Library setting
• Jail and Prison setting

Physical Duties

• Walking and travel within NYC
• Pushing and pulling book trucks
• Shelving at various levels
• Lifting up to 40-50 lbs.

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

• Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 am to 6 pm
• Temporary position until June 30, 2027

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).