Children's Programming Outreach Specialist - Part-Time

Plans and performs programs for children ages infant -12 years and their caregivers.  Primarily presents programs off-site and assists with programs in the library.

The hours will be:
Monday:  8:30am - 11:30am
Tuesday:  8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday:  8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday:  8:30am - 11:30am
Occasional evening or weekend hours (average 1 to 2 times per month)ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• With direction from the Assistant Director - Library, plan, present and evaluate diverse and creative programs for all ages of children and their caregivers that promote literacy and creativity. These programs may be held in the library or off-site. Programs may include, but are not limited to infant, toddler, preschool story times, library tours, elementary school classroom and assembly presentations.
• Seek out, establish, and maintain communication with new and existing partner locations and organizations for performing community outreach.
• Provide quality customer service, readers' advisory, new patron orientation and ongoing patron education, and answer reference questions of all patrons.
• Represent the library at various community events.
• Perform work within established guidelines and refer department questions and concerns to the Assistant Director - Library in a timely manner.
• Assist with coordination, supervision and training of volunteers as needed.
• Ensure regular and punctual attendance to allow for effective teamwork with other employees, face-to-face interaction with patrons and staff, and working with materials or equipment located at the Waukee Public Library.
• Perform other duties or assume other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Actively support all efforts to increase cooperation, communication, and collaboration between and among staff, library patrons and volunteers.
• Acknowledge and accept the Library's mission, respect the Library's confidentiality regulations, and maintain the integrity of the Waukee Public Library.
• Enjoy working with all ages of children and their caregivers, both individually and in groups of all sizes while demonstrating a working knowledge of routine library practices.
• Maintain considerable knowledge of children's literature and materials as well as current holdings and library resources, both print and electronic.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, and cultural sensitivity in working with diverse public and coworkers.
• Ability to conduct a reference interview and be able to answer reference questions with authority and tenacity to meet patron needs.
• Working knowledge of current electronic devices, internet tools, social media and library related technology and trends, and the ability to embrace the challenge of continuously learning new tools, software and technology to meet typical library needs.
• Continually seek and participate in opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
• Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all library operations with positive and creative approaches to challenges.
• Demonstrate sound time-management skills by effectively and efficiently organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple assignments in a timely manner.
• Exercise independent judgement to creatively solve problems and negotiate stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Attentive to the City's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed meets those standards.
• Represent the City professionally and effectively to the community and library patrons.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum two years of experience working directly with children required.
• Bachelor's degree in Library & Information Science or Early Childhood Development or a related field preferred.
• Previous public library work experience in children's services preferred.
• Exhibit considerable knowledge of the needs, developmental stages, and abilities of children.
• Knowledge of children's literature and materials preferred.
• Access to transportation with insurance at required state levels to conduct business throughout the assigned area.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required to move or lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.
• Be able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic and handwritten) in English with other employees, library patrons, and the community.

 
WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Climate-controlled office with hazards typical of that environment, minimal outdoor work is required.
• Standard work hours may include evenings and weekends as needed.
• Position requires travel within and outside of the City, which imposes common travel hazards.

Salary : $22 - $24