Library Services Associate-Children's, PT

*How to apply: *Submit a resume and cover letter with application by May 16, 2024

Job Summary: At Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh we believe in the richness of diversity and we build community, enable learning, provide access and value people. Our vision is that through Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) the people of our region will develop the literacies and connections that support individual achievement and strengthen the power of the community.

CLP's Children's Library Assistants implement a continuum of service to inspire and facilitate lifelong learning by supporting the developmental needs of children 0-11 as well as their parents and caregivers. Our Children's Library Assistant acts as a mentor and connects children and families to resources and opportunities to reflect their interests, respond to their needs and support their healthy growth and development. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a passion for and experience in community engagement, experience working collaboratively, and a history of serving children and families.

*Location: *CLP-Beechview, Pittsburgh, PA

Work Hours: 20-25 hours per week, days, evenings, weekends required

*Compensation: *$18.00 per hour

Number of Vacancies: 1

Hiring Supervisor: Angelle Pryor, Library Services Manager

Unit: This position is represented by the Steelworkers union.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working closely with the Library Services Manager, Coordinator of Children's Services & Family Engagement, and other location staff to execute the vision of Children's Services at CLP-Beechview;
• Working to implement programs that reduce inequitable outcomes for children; including programs in the library, at outreach locations like local schools and non-traditional settings to meet community needs;
• Maintaining cooperative working relationships with individuals and agencies serving children and families;
• Welcoming customers and working to develop and build relationships with youth, caregivers and families within the Library and community;
• Helping to fulfill customers' informational and recreational needs by providing quality reference and readers advisory using print and electronic resources;
• Providing high quality customer service to a diverse public and staff in accordance with CLP's Philosophy and Standards of Service;
• Participating in system-wide initiatives, programs and service teams;
• Supporting location-wide partnerships;
• Modeling best practices and encouraging all location staff to connect with and serve youth to ensure a continuum of service;
• Continuing to cultivate a timely and dynamic children's collection that is representative of the community's needs under the guidance of the Coordinator of Children's Collections and Library Services Manager;
• Managing the Children's space, including upkeep and inventory, behavior, creating engaging displays; assist with these tasks at the branch level, as needed
• Providing meaningful experiences for volunteers in service to children and caregivers;
• Assisting with day-to-day operations of the location, which may include circulation, registration, and shelving;
• Engaging in continuing education opportunities in order to develop and maintain job skills; 

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with children in an urban setting is required;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines, manage assignments and responsibilities effectively in a busy urban library with a diverse public and staff;
• Outgoing, dynamic and highly organized individual with a passion for working with children and families and building relationships in the community;
• Commitment to providing high quality customer servic in accordance with CLP's Service Standards;
• Previous experience presenting learning activities for children ages birth to 11 years and their caregivers strongly preferred;
• Ability to execute innovative library service to children and families, especially in regards to equity, diversity and inclusion;
• Understanding of child development and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate library experiences;
• Understanding of the importance of family engagement and ability to apply best practices in family engagement;
• Ability to recognize current reading, viewing, and listening interests of children and families;
• Knowledge of current technologies, electronic resources, and social media;
• Ability to implement media mentorship practices;

• Bilingual or multilingual a plus;

   

Education and Physical Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required;
• The physical ability to bend, stoop, stand for long periods of time, push heavy book trucks, and lift heavy loads (25+ pounds);

Clearance Requirements:

• PA State Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Criminal Records Check
• Mandated Reporter Training 

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, political affiliation or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.