Do you have a passion for programming? Do you enjoy connecting with people and building relationships? As our Program and Outreach Associate, you will interact with our young patrons and their caregivers.

In this role, you’ll create and lead programs, provide program support both in the library and out in the community, perform storytimes, and help patrons at our service desk with questions and book recommendations.

You’ll be working as part of a dynamic, experienced youth services team that thrives on creativity and collaboration. This role offers plenty of variety and you’ll find that no two days are the same. You’ll shake your sillies out with toddlers one day and lead STEAM stations at a grade school the next.

SCHEDULE: (approximate average of 24 hours per week)

• Monday 9am to 5pm
• Wednesday 1pm to 9pm
• Thursday 9am to 5pm
• Once every four weeks, Saturday 9am to 5pm

While this is the preferred schedule, consideration may be given to alternative weekday shifts provided it meets department needs.

BENEFITS: 

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, and birthday)
• Dental, life, and pet insurance 
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation
• 457 retirement savings plan

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Department Head, the Youth Program and Outreach Associate supports programming and outreach efforts of the department by preparing and presenting programming, attending outreach events, and performing clerical and support tasks for departmental staff with programming and outreach responsibilities. May provide targeted programming and outreach services to specific groups as needed. This position provides public services at the Youth desk and performs collection development tasks.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

1. Programming and Outreach (approx. 45%)
2. Public Service (approx. 45%)

Other non-essential job duties may include collection development, other departmental support tasks as needed and special projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming and Outreach

• Creates and presents programming for youth as assigned
• Coordinates, implements, and presents outreach events for youth as assigned
• Collaborates with other library programmers and assists with library wide events 
• Compiles programming and outreach statistics as assigned
• Ensures that programs are entered correctly in the program calendar and other systems/locations
• Prepares programming materials
• Ensures that outreach events are entered correctly in the program calendar and other systems/locations
• Serves as liaison with community partners as assigned and/or directed by the Outreach Librarian and their supervisor
• Attends networking events, meetings, and other community events when assigned
   

Public Service

• Assists patrons at the public desk, on the telephone, and online with locating materials and providing appropriate reference and readers advisory services
• Applies MPPL-values-based customer service
• Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
• Executes basic/in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online and in-house database sources
• Assists patrons with related reservations (study rooms, meetings rooms, equipment, etc.)
• Provides bibliographic instruction and tours, as needed
• Registers patrons for library programs
• Fulfills and/or reviews book bags as requested by community members
• Assists patrons in the use of equipment items in the public service area

Collection

• Performs collection development tasks related to selection, maintenance, and weeding 
• Plans and executes collection displays in coordination with other departmental staff 
   

Other

• Assists with other department support tasks as assigned
• Attends appropriate meetings, workshops and seminars
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area (or the equivalent education and/or work experience) required.  
• Some prior experience working with children in a library, daycare, or school setting required.
• Background or interest in creative arts, performance arts, music, and gaming/video gaming highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

Knowledge & Ability

1. Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
2. Knowledge of youth programming trends, philosophies, and best practices
3. Knowledge/skill in the use of readers advisory and reference tools for youth services
4. Knowledge of literature, popular fiction and non-fiction for youth services
5. Knowledge of reference/service interview techniques
6. Knowledge of outreach/community engagement trends and best practices
7. Knowledge of library policies and procedures  
8. Ability to access, input and retrieve data from the computer
9. Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone

Behavioral Skills

1. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
2. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
3. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.  
4. Initiative. Able to bring about great results from ordinary circumstances; prepare for problems or opportunities in advance; transform leads into productive business outcomes; undertake additional responsibilities and respond to situations as they arise without supervision. 
5. Planning, Prioritizing, & Goal Setting. Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks. 
6. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce.
7. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.  

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a typical library environment