Term Limited Temporary - Public Services Assistant - Riverview - 40 Hours

KCLS is seeking multiple part-time public service staff to work in a contracted term-limited temporary capacity as a Public Services Assistant (PSA). The ideal candidate is someone ready to work at a public service desk in a library with minimal training. 

This opportunity addresses emergent staffing needs at several KCLS locations. In particular, public service staffing support is needed at the following KCLS community library locations in our Riverview region:

• Issaquah
• Mercer Island
• Newcastle
• Renton
• Renton Highlands
• Skyway

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current experience working in a library setting providing ready-reference and circulation service to the public.
• Familiarity with the ILS, Evergreen.
• Be able to commit to up to a 6-month term-limited temporary contract assignment.

At KCLS, a Public Services Assistant (PSA) assists patrons with information about library materials, equipment, programs, and services in order to help them succeed through ideas, interaction and information. This position provides assistance in person, online, and over the phone. The PSA also works in library material circulation and materials handling. The PSA regularly assists patrons in using computers and printers and works to ensure that library technology is functioning. The PSA also addresses patron behavior issues in the library. PSAs may need to directly de-escalate and resolve disputes, enforce the Patron Code of Conduct and handle challenging situations with patrons.

To submit interest:

Please fill out this simplified application and answer the supplemental questions. Once interest is received KCLS will assess against business needs. 

Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:

Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.

1. Provides information assistance and readers’ advisory assistance as expected, in person, online or over the phone, including use of library resources, equipment and technology. Assists patrons in the use of library collections through reference interviews, literature and electronic searches and instruction in the use of catalogs, paper and electronic resources. Refers questions to a librarian, as necessary.
2. Educates, trains and assists patrons in the use of library technology, equipment and resources. Reports needs for repair and non-routine maintenance to ITS, as appropriate. If assigned the duty, troubleshoots problems escalated from the basic level of AMH support and contacts vendors, as necessary.
3. Assists patrons with check-in and check-out and with locating materials at a branch and within KCLS. Resolves problems with patron’s account and record. Assists patrons and staff with scheduling and using facility including meeting rooms.
4. Promotes, educates and supports the principles of intellectual freedom with staff and patrons. Resolves related concerns or redirects to appropriate source.
5. Resolves staff and patron incidents, problems, concerns and conflicts ensuring that Rules of Conduct are followed or redirects to appropriate source.
6. Performs full range of circulation duties as outlined in Circulation Manual.
7. Provides assistance with and delivers library programs, as assigned.
8. Completes reports as required.
9. Promotes and displays materials, services and programs.
10. Provides mentoring and training for staff in areas of expertise.
11. Work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Secondary Duties:

1. Participates in activities such as committee work, training, staff meetings, etc.
2. Performs daily cash handling and register functions.
3. Performs lower classification duties, as needed.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position is:

• Graduation from a two-year vocational or technical degree or certificate program. Advanced education or training may be beneficial, but is not required.
• Three years’ customer service experience that includes decision making in a library or other setting.
• Or other combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification.

Core Competencies:

Customer Focus

Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.

Valuing Diversity

Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.

Ethics, Values, and Judgment

Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.

Professional & Technical Knowledge

Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.

Approachability

Listens more than they talk; allows appropriate time for interactions; purposely builds rapport, sets positive tone and exhibits confidence by body language and speech. Maintains boundaries.

Dealing with Ambiguity

Can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without the total picture; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty, does not exhibit excessive need to control or track, can ‘let go’ and move forward in uncertainty.

Teamwork/Collaborating

Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member’s strengths and differences.

Composure

Calm and reflective, self-possessed even in the face of provocation, recognizes and manages stress appropriately, even during tough times.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, up to frequently on feet standing and walking, handling, grasping, reaching at waist level, keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching below or above shoulder and bending/squatting. The employee will frequently lift/carry 5 pounds and seldom lift up to 35 pounds and will seldom need to push/pull carts using light force.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a library environment with some hectic or demanding situations. The position experiences frequent interruptions and maximum flexibility is required. Varied work hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically, constant standing, extensive close work (eyestrain) and extensive PC monitor work are required. May encounter situations that involve behavioral issues.

Salary : $32 - $39