Outreach Youth Librarian

Job Summary

 Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director of Youth & Family Engagement in cooperation with the Mobile Services Manager, provides and promotes library youth services by taking those services to children, teens, and their caring adults at underserved locations across our service district. Seeks out opportunities to support work system-wide in ensuring quality library service for youth in Kansas City. This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $50,382 plus excellent benefits. 

 Job Duties (Essential Functions) 

1. Works collaboratively with the Youth and Family Engagement (YFE) and Library Outreach departments to enhance the outreach and vulnerable population services to youth.
2. Coordinates, plans, and implements pop-up and recurring library services such as youth programming, Summer Reading Program promotion, and vehicle stops at community sites frequented by children and families, such as shelters, parks, health care facilities, Housing Authority sites, Books to Go sites, and juvenile detention.
3. Builds relationships and effective partnerships with external stakeholders. Identifies new community partners and events by monitoring local news sources and social media channels, collaborating with branch and outreach staff members, and participating in relevant stakeholder group meetings.
4. Serves as an embedded youth librarian at events relevant to community outreach and mobile services; showcases Library resources; promotes Library services; seeks feedback.
5. Determines best practices and expectations for youth and family focused outreach events in cooperation with YFE leadership and librarians.
6. Works with Mobile Services Manager to coordinate communication around Library participation in outreach events.
7. Manages the Library’s involvement in youth outreach reading initiatives, including but not limited to: KC Loves to Read, Book Walks, and Book Rich Environments.
8. Drives the Library’s youth programming vehicle to and from outreach locations across Kansas City.
9. Collects and evaluates data on youth outreach activities and uses data for continued learning and service refinement.
10. Participates in the planning and presenting of system wide youth and family programming.
11. Supervises other members of the Youth Outreach Team.
12. Relays information from YFE staff meetings to outreach staff and represents Outreach concerns at YFE meeting.
13. Provides back-up support for YFE librarians for essential programming as needed and able.
14. Maintains current Microsoft Outlook calendar that is shared with YFE leadership and Outreach and Community Engagement leadership.
15. Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
2. Outstanding customer service and engagement skills with an ability to apply the principles of trauma-informed service.
3. Ability to work with diverse populations (I.e. age, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.)
4. Demonstrated flexibility which includes a willingness to readily respond to changing circumstances and expectations.
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to develop and grow new library services.
6. Working knowledge of children’s and teen literature and online resources. Demonstrated ability to promote usage of these materials and resources.
7. Demonstrated desire to gain knowledge and stay current with trends and developments in library youth services.
8. Basic understanding of Every Child Ready to Read and 21st Century Learning Skills.
9. Demonstrate intermediate computer skills.
10. Demonstrate ability to organize work effectively, plan programs, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
11. Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
12. Able to lift 30 lbs.

Required Education & Experience 

1. Master’s Degree in Library Science or the equivalent combination of appropriate degree and applicable work experience.
2. Significant experience working with youth and the important adults in their lives.
3. Understanding of child and adolescent development and a passion for excellent library services for and with youth.
4. Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages spoken in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Library’s Mobile Services Facility and community partner sites as well as Library Branches throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an warehouse environment, other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community.

Other Duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily.  If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. 

How to Apply

Please apply for this position through our web application system. Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.