Library Assistant II- Youth Services Specialist

Flagler County is dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve and strives to deliver a vibrant and prosperous community with a focus on providing exceptional quality of life.  As we work together to put the needs of our community first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family now, and in the future.  And with continuing education and advancement opportunities, you can build a long, successful career with us.  You’ll thrive in an environment where we build a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration and empowering staff to facilitate positive outcomes. We understand the importance of work/life balance, having flexible work schedules and the ability to be able to afford health insurance.  That’s why our benefits are known to be some of the best around!  We offer a robust benefit package that includes low-cost health insurance, no cost onsite wellness center and gym, retirement in the Florida Retirement System, County paid basic life insurance, 13 paid holidays, generous personal leave, tuition reimbursement, longevity pay, and wellness programs to support a happier, healthier you. At Flagler County we aspire to be the catalyst that makes us an employer of choice.

Position Summary
Paraprofessional work requiring knowledge and experience in library service techniques and applying techniques to a specialized area of the library system.

Essential Functions

• May provide reader guidance and reference services to patrons. 
• May be responsible for all circulation activities including maintaining the shelves. 
• May manage day to day operations of a service area within the library system. 
• May provide outreach services. 
• May plan and conduct programs, book talks, or school visits. 
• Provides basic instructions to public in use of various library systems. 
• May maintain various statistics and prepare monthly and financial reports. 
• Provides superior customer service in person, on the phone and via email within service area of a full service library.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates the activities of a library program unit; coordinates activities of program unit with other departments in the library. 
• Participates in the development of individual and program unit work plans. 
• Analyzes library operational procedures related to activities of a program unit and makes recommendations for improvements. 
• Prepares publicity, displays, and bibliographies. 
• Develops and implements volunteer programs in support of library services. 
• May recruit and train volunteers for support work and recommends assignments that will make the best use of individual talents. 
• May act as a U.S. Department of State Passport Agent and processes passport applications in compliance with rules and regulations of the Federal Government. 
• Performs ongoing assignments of moderate to high difficulty. 
• Performs job in keeping with the policies and procedures of the Flagler County Public Library. 
• May perform other duties as assigned. 
• Management reserves the right to add or amend duties at any time. 
• During emergencies, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree Preferred in related field. 
• At least two years of Para-professional library experience in area of job responsibility. 
• Depending on program unit of the library knowledge of literature for children and young adults may be required. 
• Successful library experience serving all ages including materials selection, reference and reader’s advisory, planning and producing programs, and publicity materials preferred. 
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work. 

 Flagler County is a drug free workplace, some positions may require a pre-employment drug screen.

 Flagler County, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Flagler County, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of library services and the ability to train staff and volunteers. 
• Knowledge of public library principles, organization, objectives, trends, materials, services, and practices. 
• Knowledge of computerized bibliographic databases and searching techniques, online public access catalogs, and integrated library systems. 
• Knowledge of Reference interviewing techniques, strategy, and tools; adult, children’s and young adult literature and materials. 
• Skilled at accurately and efficiently sorting and shelving materials in alphanumeric order.
• Knowledge of Principles of selection, deselection, and evaluation of library collections. 
• Knowledge of Principles and practices of team building and principles and practices of participative management. 
• Knowledge of current practices of children’s library service; children’s literature and materials; knowledge of storytelling, book talking, and other public performance techniques; Childhood development and learning stages. 
• Broad knowledge of U.S. Department of State rules, regulations and guidelines to act as a passport application acceptance agent. 

Ability to: 

• Develop and apply library procedures and policies and other professional knowledge to the practical problems of the job. 
• Must be able to efficiently utilize and troubleshoot office equipment, such as; computers, typewriters, cash register, microfiche reader, fax copier, telephone and word processing software. 
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, in-person or via email. 
• Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to effectively work with patrons, co-workers and others. 
• Ability to use library automation and online databases. 
• Ability to work effectively with the public and staff in a variety of circumstances including stressful situations. 
• Ability to use independent and sound judgment to organize, plan, and direct a section of library activities.

Physical Requirements

• Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, lifting and moving books/carts and files of approximately 40 lbs. 
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• Vision abilities require extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor. 
• Requires good hand dexterity for operating a keyboard. 
• Ability to hear, comprehend and respond to library patrons, co-workers and supervisors both orally and in writing.