Library Assistant

Company Description

We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world. 

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

Job Description

Position Overview:
The Near North Montessori (NNM) school Library Assistant performs work in support of the school’s library spaces and programs, ultimately for students. Responsible as part of the Library team, for maintenance of the space, collection and other resources. Work closely with faculty and students as a resource, guide and expert within the space. This is a school year (10 month), non-exempt position.
 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
 

• Perform basic library tasks to support the use of the library by students, faculty, staff and parents 

• Lead read-aloud, book groups and other small student group activities as scheduled with classrooms, Librarian and more 

• Be a point of contact for the library, answer questions, resolve problems, explain and enforce policies for library visitors in person, by email and through other channels 

• Execute both independent work and collaborative work with the Librarian and other faculty assisting students and performing a full range of circulation functions including checking books out and in, reshelving, locating materials, editing records, helping with book or material orders, etc.

• Help maintain physical collection and library spaces aligned with the school and Librarian's vision and plans

• Create and post signage for events and meetings and other relevant activities 

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of a school library database for the collection

• Actively participate in departmental, all-staff and other meetings relevant to the role and work

• Troubleshoot and resolve basic connectivity and usage issues with various library equipment (AV, computers, peripherals), and remote access to resources; coordinates maintenance and updates to tech equipment as needed with technology team

• Staff the library service desk, monitor email, and other library systems and resources

• Identify relevant library resources (e.g. guides, resource lists) to support faculty and student research, information gathering and more

• Responsible for supervising the children who come for early morning childcare during the school year

• With advance notice, attend an overnight trip with the elementary level, as assigned

• Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

Qualifications

Education/Training and Certification, Licenses, Registration Requirements:
Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Years of Experience

• Prior experience teaching or working with and guiding students; library work experience a plus

Licenses/Certifications

N/A

Specific Skills Required

• A natural rapport with children; understanding of the basic developmental needs of 3-14-year-olds

• Solutions oriented with the ability to quickly identify problems and propose solutions

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills

• Demonstrated commitment to creating diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students

• Strong research, administrative, and time management skills

• Demonstrates sensitivity, good judgment, and confidentiality in working with students and parents

• Good communication skills, sound judgment and emotional maturity

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Google Suites or relevant technology  tools

Additional Information

Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 10-month position
• Pay Information: The pay for this position is $45,000 a year 

Requirements for All Employees: 

1. Understands and acts in accordance with NNM mission and values
2. Ability to be a team-player working effectively with all students, families, staff, supervisors, and others
3. Prioritize and work to ensure student safety throughout the school, both individually and as part of the greater community
4. Ability to independently function efficiently in a changing and varied environment with frequent interruptions
5. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on details, demonstrating appropriate planning, preparation and execution of work 
6. Ability to follow all NNM policies and procedures, asking for clarification or support if needed
7. Actively practices a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all areas of work
8. Maintains professional skill level pursuing and/or attending professional development and training opportunities required for the position

Environment and/or Physical Factors:
The Work Environment and Physical Demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The physical demands to perform the assigned task(s) may include standing, walking, reaching, stooping, crouching, bending, lifting, and pushing.   

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and push up 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.