Library Assistant II

The Henrietta Hankin Branch is seeking a full-time Library Assistant II dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the high standard of information and customer service established by the Library.

Responsibilities include providing front line customer service assistance and handling general account issues, addressing any issues that may arise in a manner that reflects the library’s core values and principles of quality customer service. Complete financial transactions accurately. Assist in opening and closing the department. Function as part of the library Person In Charge team, ensuring smooth operation of the building in the absence of the Branch Manager. Perform other duties or special projects as required including but not limited to helping create and run programs, meeting room management, and staff blog updates.

This position requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to public service are essential. The ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions, and demonstrate current PC proficiency including internet, email and Microsoft Office skills is required. The successful candidate will be accurate, detail oriented, and be able to work independently and as part of a team. Previous customer service or retail experience is preferred, along with a high degree of attention to detail and the ability to follow complex procedures and directions.

This position requires the following physical abilities: to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; to wheel book-carts weighing up to 125 lbs.; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday. Library experience and experience with children a plus.

All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

Position Type: Full time
Shift: Hours vary including nights and weekends

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Criminal background check is required.

State Child Abuse Clearance is required.

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).

• Perform circulation procedures effectively and accurately according to the principles of quality customer service.
• Handle all automated circulation system functions.
• Issue library cards.
• Receive fees and overdue fine payments. Handle and resolve questions concerning borrower records and contested overdue books, fines, and charges in a manner that reflects the library’s core values.
• Complete financial transactions accurately.
• Operate a credit card machine and a cash register. 
• Run cash register money counts and record daily tallies, if necessary.
• Collect copier money monthly.
• Interpret policies and procedures correctly, exercising sound judgement and making reasonable accommodations in resolving problem situations.
• Answer patron inquiries when possible and refer persons requiring additional assistance to the Reference or Children’s desk.
• Respond to phone calls and email inquiries.
• Perform assigned tasks and projects completely and in a timely manner.
• Monitor new books and remove old materials in a timely fashion; change location codes, as required.
• Staff the Circulation desk one night per week and one weekend per month. Occasionally additional night/weekend coverage may be required due to staffing levels. 
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• PC proficiency including use of the internet, email, and Microsoft Office suite. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Accurate and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer experience and skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• PA Criminal background check.
• PA Child abuse clearance.
• FBI Fingerprint-based background check

• Public library experience.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of a public library organization and service.
• Familiarity with library core values.
• Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong time management skills.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have: 

• Basic Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
• Knowledge of library online automated system and catalog
• The ability to master basic and specialized online circulation functions

• Close vision in order to read small print and a computer monitor.

• The noise level is usually quiet.

• Work may include evening shifts and weekend shifts in rotation.
• This position will need to handle money, credit cards and checks.