Library Assistant II - Outreach Services

Yakima Valley Libraries is excited to announce an opening for a part-time (25 hours per week) Library Assistant II in our Outreach Services Department. The Library Assistant II (Outreach Services) supports Yakima Valley Libraries’ mission by delivering high-quality customer service and expanding access to library programs and resources throughout the community. This role promotes intellectual freedom while assisting patrons with circulation, basic reference, and reader’s advisory services. The position provides outreach to diverse populations in community settings, helps present programs, and supports daily operations through materials handling, equipment maintenance, and participation in team activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Intellectual Freedom: The position supports the concept of Intellectual Freedom, ensuring library users can seek and receive information without scrutiny or examination by others.
• Customer Service: Provides high-quality customer service to patrons by greeting, assisting, and ensuring their needs are met.
• Outreach Program Promotion and Services: Under general direction, promotes and provides library programs and services to community members in various settings outside the library, such as community centers and residential facilities.
• Circulation Assistance: Assists patrons by checking in/out library materials, issuing library cards, updating customer records, and resolving issues related to circulation.
• Information Services: Provides information about library policies, procedures, services, programs, and materials, both in-person and over the phone.
• Reference and Reader’s Advisory: Answers basic reference and reader’s advisory questions, redirecting more complex inquiries to other library resources as necessary.
• Library Services Promotion: Promotes library services and assists in publicizing and merchandising library materials to targeted populations.
• Program Presentation: Assists in presenting library programs to adults in residential facilities.
• Material Handling and Sorting: Pulls and checks in materials returned during outreach runs, assesses for damage, and prepares for reshelving.
• Equipment and Supply Maintenance: Monitors and maintains equipment, refills supplies, performs light cleaning, and reports major issues to supervisors.
• Committee Participation: Attends meetings and participates in various committees as assigned.
• Performs additional duties as necessary.

Bargaining Unit: Yes

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Two years of library or general clerical experience, including public service.

• Washington driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

• Library Operations Knowledge: Familiarity with basic library work principles, including the Dewey Decimal System.

• Customer Service Skills: Strong customer service skills to assist a diverse population.

• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in using relevant office software and equipment.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish (if applicable).

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse staff to accomplish library goals.

• Vehicle Operation: Ability to safely and legally drive large library vehicles.

• Attendance and Dependability: Consistently attend work and perform duties reliably.

These competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role, focusing on key areas essential for success in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

• The pay for this position spans from $19.14-$25.12 hour, but most begin on Step 1 pending qualifications.
• Yakima Valley Libraries offers many benefits. Please visit our site for more information: https://www.yvl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/benefits/