Community Resource Specialist, 40 hrs per week

Job Close Date: March 18, 2025 @ 5:00pm PST

Position Summary

The Community Resource Specialists work under the direction of the Community Resource Manager to address the widespread issues and needs faced by library patrons, which may include, poverty, mental illness, addiction, and other factors that prevent them from having the resources they need. The Community Resource Specialist provides services and referrals while working concurrently with contracted security at the Medford location to maintain a safe, secure, and pleasant environment for library patrons and staff. This position will work collaboratively with a team to support all patrons of Jackson County at all fifteen locations. The Community Resource Specialist may be assigned a set of branches to provide additional support to the local patrons and branch staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with staff at assigned library location(s) to provide information, support, referrals, and assistance to at-risk, vulnerable youth and adult patrons who are experiencing mental health, addiction, homelessness, or issues of general exclusion or disengagement.
• Serves as a resource and model to library staff on how to work effectively with challenging behaviors.
• Assists the Social Worker in working with community members and agencies to address the systemic issues and needs faced by at-risk library patrons.
• Connects and builds rapport with library patrons through roving services, creating an environment of empathy that establishes boundaries for appropriate use of library resources.
• As directed by the Community Resource Manager, identifies and communicates with community members to understand their needs and share information relevant to library services. This may include providing outreach and maintaining lists of updated resources.
• Provides excellent customer service to all staff and patrons.
• Responds to incidents and emergencies; defuses conflicts among library patrons and proactively works to deescalate situations.
• Working with contracted security operators to help maintain safety and JCLS inclusive values as directed by the Community Resource Manager. Writes reports and gathers information to be shared with staff, and which may be used in a court of law to prosecute offenders.
• Adheres to confidentiality and privacy standards set by JCLS and Community Resource Manager.
• Contacts Police as needed, including filing complaints and making court appearances.
• Maintains professional working relationships with local law enforcement personnel.
• May participate in training of new Community Resources staff members.
• Participates in committee and department meetings.
• May work with other JCLS departments to implement Community Resource driven programming
• Work as a team to organize and manage Community Resource desk and space
• Regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation

JCLS has a 16-step salary schedule with each step at 1.5%. The starting salary will be based on steps 1-5 on Grade I of the schedule. New hires are placed based on applicable education and experience to the job, as well as keeping within Oregon state pay equity laws. The starting range for this position is $21.54 to $22.88 per hour. Staff members who pass a Spanish language competency test are eligible for a Bilingual Stipend per JCLS policy.

JCLS is an Equal Opportunity employer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of social services experience.
• Customer service experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES

• Criminal background check required.