Youth Services Library Associate

We are seeking a creative and energetic professional to join our Youth Services Team. The successful candidate will develop early literacy skills in young children and promote early literacy among families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinating, planning, and executing programs for children (ages 6 and under) and their caregivers.
• Creating and implementing early literacy initiatives.
• Conducting outreach to local organizations and preschools.
• Managing collection development in relevant areas.
• Assisting at the Questions Desk.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answers reference questions and provides basic reader's advisory in person, by telephone, or online in a prompt, courteous, and confidential manner.
• Maintains working knowledge and can provide basic instruction in library technology, including but not limited to catalogs, eReaders, tablets, laptops, public computers, printers, copiers, scanners, hotspots, and fax machines.
• Maintains knowledge of current and popular youth and teen literature and other media.
• Keeps current with print and online reference and reader advisory resources to answer patron questions competently.
• Prepares and merchandises department displays and creates bibliographies.
• May plan and implement programs that respond to the needs and interests of youth, teens, and/or caregivers, which may include story times, summer reading, book clubs, after-school activities, and family programs, both in person and virtually.
• May assist in selecting and maintaining materials for assigned areas of the youth and/or teen collections in various formats.
• Participates in professional development and networking activities both in person and online.
• Ensures all policies and procedures of the McHenry Public Library District are followed.

Early Literacy Specialist Specialized Tasks:

• Ability to speak in front of large groups.
• Ability to create and present a variety of story times to children of different ages and in different stages of development.
• Understands the current early childhood teaching practices especially related to literacy skill development.
• Understands the childhood development of children under age six, including literacy skills, gross and fine motor skills, and social and emotional growth.
• Implements skill development in programs and explains/demonstrates skills to caregivers.
• Performs community needs assessment to identify the needs of children under six and their caregivers to create tailored services and programs to address identified needs.

Additional Duties:

• May communicate and cooperate with schools, daycares, and other local community organizations that serve youth and teens.
• May serve on library committees and committees of library and community organizations that align with the library's mission.
• May maintain library website and social networking sites.
• The staff may be in the role of one or more of the following areas: Early Literacy, Youth Programming, Teen Services, School Services, and/or Bilingual Services.
• Assumes other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree, LTA or equivalent course work/ and previous library experience; Bachelor's degree desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient technology skills, including Microsoft Windows and Office applications, Google Suite applications, Internet, eReaders/tablets, online video conferencing/sharing platforms, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
• Knowledge and appreciation of popular materials for youth and teens.
• Understanding of the recreational and educational needs of today's youth and teens.
• Ability to complete detailed work accurately, efficiently, and on time with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments independently or as a team.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish) are desirable.