Head of Youth Services

Valley Community Library is seeking applicants for the position of Head of Youth Services.

This person is responsible for participating in short- and long-term planning for the Youth Services Department, working with the public at the front desk, preparing and issuing flyers and press releases, collection development, working outreach events at schools and in the community, hiring and coordinating presenters, and expanding professional development skills through workshops and trainings.

This individual must have experience with children’s programming, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to function individually and as part of the library staff team. The individual in this position must always interact with the public in a professional and courteous manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Short- and Long-term Planning of the Youth Services Department
• Collection development (selection, ordering, and weeding) for children’s and young adult materials with assistance from the Youth Services and Circulation Clerk
• Plan, develop, and present a variety of programs for children, teens, and families
• Coordinate activities with other departments as needed
• Work closely with the Youth Services and Circulation Clerk
• Manage the Youth Services collection and programming budgets for revenue and expenditures.
• Prepare statistics, reports, and presentations regarding the Youth Services Department performance
• Create promotional materials for own programs and events to follow the Lackawanna County Library System Public Relations Committee guidelines
• Participate in regular State and Lackawanna County Library System events, workshops, and committees
• Outreach to schools and other child-oriented organizations
• Reference and Readers’ Advisory for children and parents/guardians
• Provide computer assistance and guidance for children and their parents/guardians
• Keep current on trends, issues, and events in youth services
• Develop, design, and maintain the Youth Services area with approval from the Director
• Help coordinate events, activities, prizes, and more for reading initiative programs like SummerQuest and Winter Reading
• Work the front desk as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to relate to coworkers and the public with tact and courtesy
• The ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form, and to speak and present to a public audience.
• Intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, online reference, social media, Canva, and other print and electronic reference tools.

Education & Work Experience:

• Minimum age 18 with High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree is preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience working with children and youth is preferred
• Certification or the ability to be certified as a Library Assistant or Provisional Librarian is preferred.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, speak, hear, reach and lift. The employee must be able to use their hands and fingers to operate common office controls and equipment such as keyboards and fax machines, for example.
• The employee is required to read computer screens frequently.
• Must be able to move freely, bend, squat or crouch, and lift up to 30 pounds.

Special Requirements:

• Valid PA Driver’s License and willingness to conduct off-site programming
• Must be adaptable to changing work hours.
• Hiring and continued employment are contingent on satisfactory passage of PA Criminal History and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse check, Criminal History check, and FBI fingerprint check are required at the employee’s expense at the time of hire.

Hours:

• Full-time position at 35 hours/week.
• Some evenings and Saturdays are required.
• Schedule is as follows: Mondays 12:00pm-7:30pm, Tuesday-Friday 9:30am – 5:00pm, and one Saturday every 5-week rotation.
• Hourly rate begins at $17.11 with Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree (in non-library related fields) and with 3-5 years’ experience working with youth.
• Hourly rate ranges from $18.01 to $20.50 with educational credits in Library Science from an accredited institution and with 3-5 years’ experience working with youth.
• Position is non-exempt (hourly pay). Pay rate is determined by the Lackawanna County Library System Pay Scale and is paid bi-weekly.
• Benefits provided as described in the Valley Community Library Personnel Policy and include vacation, personal time, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid health benefits and 403(b) retirement plan with 1% match available.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.11 - $20.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have your Driver's License to be able to commute to the library and other events?
• Please describe your professional experiences working with children.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Working with children: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $21