What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Social Worker position at St. Joe County Public Library?
The St. Joe County Public Library is a connective hub to the community. The library system serves approximately 170,799 people with ten locations throughout St. Joseph County.
With thousands of innovative events , programs and resources , the Library is a welcoming place for all members of our diverse community to flourish.
Essential Job Duties
The Library Social Worker will provide support to library patrons who are in need of social service assistance. They will do this by providing information and referrals to appropriate organizations.
They will also serve as a resource for library staff and model effective techniques for working with library patrons experiencing trauma / secondary trauma, mental health issues, substance use, unstable housing and other psychosocial needs.
The Library Social Worker will have the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse population of library patrons and collaborate with community organizations on a system-wide basis.
Provides information, support, referrals, and assistance to library patrons (including youth and their parents / guardians when appropriate) experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, unstable housing, or exclusion issues.
Communicates with patrons in a confidential manner in order to understand their needs and provides information relevant to library services and individual patron needs.
Connects with vulnerable or at-risk individuals within the library through roving service. Directly assists in linking patrons with community organizations to facilitate successful initial referrals / appointments. Conducts needs assessment for food, housing, and shelter. Provides crisis intervention as required.
Engages patrons in behavioral / social contracting when necessary.
Serves as a resource for library staff on issues patrons may be encountering such as mental health issues, substance abuse, unstable housing, or trauma induced issues.
Serves as a resource and model for library staff to work effectively with challenging patron behaviors.
Initiates, participates, and collaborates with library staff on projects and committees.
Develops and maintains contact-tracking service notes and updates in a timely manner.
While maintaining customer confidentiality according to the American Library Association guidelines, and the NASW Code of Ethics, gathers, analyzes, and presents data and information about usage of service for purposes of project evaluation.
Assists library management and administration in developing and modifying appropriate policies and procedures.
Plans, develops, monitors, and evaluates related library programs and services to identify patron needs.
Collaborates and communicates with local agencies, serves as a liaison for appropriate committees and represents the library to community groups in order to address the systemic issues and needs faced by at-risk library patrons who spend time in and around the Library.
Provides training to library staff and community partners on related issues such as secondary trauma and trauma informed approach.
Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience :
Licensed Masters of Social Work
Three years experience providing direct service to at-risk, marginalized populations in a health care, library, school, and / or community organization.
Training and certification in First Aid and CPR required within 6 months of hire.
Wages :
Starting / Hiring Range : $1,976.25 - $2,371.88 Biweekly
Total Salary Range : $1,976.25 - $2,766.76 Biweekly
Requirements :
Knowledge of, and experience using, a trauma informed approach.
Experience de-escalating elevated situations.
Strong public service orientation and commitment to excellent and genuine customer service.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Dependability, punctuality, trustworthiness, good attendance and work habits.
Problem-solve in a professional manner with Library patrons, co-workers, and supervisors.
Reliable work history.
As a member of the Crisis Intervention team, sufficient physical agility and strength to perform the physical activities inherent in security patrol duties, such as walking, running, standing, rapidly ascending and descending stairs in a multi-floor building and lifting a fully grown adult with the help of another staff member in emergency situations.
Comfort in presenting information to individuals and groups in a variety of settings.
Experience training non-Social Work staff in various topics related to patron need including secondary trauma management.
Demonstrate character and integrity in all situations while upholding SJCPL’s ethical standards.
Maintain patron and staff confidentiality.
Practical experience and proficiency with computers, including the Internet, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Windows, Mac OS, and communication technologies.
An unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Hours :
- Normal workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday.
- Evenings, and weekends are required. Required to adapt to a flexible schedule as necessary.
Ability to :
Work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of disruptive or unusual behavior.
Work independently and with minimum supervision.
Work harmoniously with other employees and management. Model excellent customer service.
Maintain composure and overcome stress in any situation. Work patiently and creatively with all patrons.
Be observant and stay alert for lengthy periods of time. Report any unusual or hazardous situations.
Use good judgment in a variety of difficult situations. Assess the severity of a situation and prioritize accordingly.
Accept and manage change.
Follow standard safety procedures to ensure the well being of patrons and staff.
Interpret and communicate Library services, philosophy, policies, and procedures to patrons in a courteous, friendly, and positive manner using one’s best judgment.
Exercise initiative, be enthusiastic, creative, flexible, energetic, value diversity, and possess a sense of humor.
Perform life saving measures when necessary.
Change schedule if necessary and work at Branch locations when requested.
Salary : $1,976 - $2,372