Full-Time Youth and Early Literacy Associate - Riverside

Job Title: Youth and Early Literacy Associate

Branch or Department: Customer Experience

Salary/Wage: $19.05 per hour

Reports to: Branch Manager

FLSA Status: Overtime Non-Exempt

Supervises: N/A

Benefits Classification: Full-Time

Work Location: Branch

Job Grade: 3

Hours per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Works a Saturday rotation and one night per week as part of a 40-hour schedule.

Hour per year: 2080

Revision Date: 3/6/2023

Anticipated Closing Date: 5/14/2025

At Mid-Continent Public Library, we:

Imagine. We inspire innovation through curiosity and exploration.

Try new things. We empower what works and learn from the rest.

Lead the way. We connect people to information, ideas, and inspiration.

Welcome all. We embrace new perspectives and listen with humility.

Everything we do, we do together.

Position Overview

The Youth and Early Literacy Associate is responsible for providing excellent customer service and spends a portion of every day working directly with customers at an information desk. They are also responsible for providing library service to youth (school age through teen) and early learners (birth through age 5) including creating displays and presenting youth programs both in the library and at community partners including schools. Programs for early learners will include Storytime.

Essential Functions

Provides Customer Service in person and over the phone

Acts as a guide for customers in use of the library and its resources

Demonstrates use of technology and digital services to customers

Recommends materials to customers based on interests, needs and availability

Assists customers with library card accounts, including the receiving and recording of payment

Uses creative techniques in displays to reach browsers who do not approach staff

Delivers materials outdoors to customers who request curbside delivery

Provides library service to early learners and youth

Branch expert of MCPL customer service to youth

Understanding of youth literature and the ability to provide reader’s advisory for youth

Presents, evaluates programs for youth that bring fun and learning together

Hosts programs for early learners, including story times, early literacy fairs, and hosting external presenters

Evaluates programs, keeps records, and reports branch activity

Coordinates and implements Library initiatives, including reading programs

Monitors youth collection footprint for display needs, floating, passive program opportunities, and customer service

Conducts outreach and develops partnerships with community-based organizations, including daycares and schools.

Understands basic child and adolescent development theories and their implications for library service

Contributes to the maintenance of the library collection

Processes library materials for customer access

Shelves library materials correctly and efficiently

Straightens and shifts library materials to ensure adequate space and a neat appearance

Non-Essential Functions

This position could be designed as shift lead

Education and Experience

High School Diploma/HiSet/GED Completion Required

Customer Service experience Preferred

2 years relevant experience in working with youth Preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

All successful team members at MCPL should demonstrate

Ability to use effective verbal, written, and discreet communication with management, co-workers, and the public

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Knowledge of department processes and procedures and critical thinking skills to make decisions pertaining to the position

Proficiency in providing friendly and solution-oriented customer service attitude and delivery with internal and external customers

Fundamental understanding of how DEI principles impact the workplace and library services

Age Requirement

Must be at least 18 years of age

MVR Requirement

None

Work Environment

(Indoor/Outdoor) Works both indoors and outdoors and must have considerable tolerance for weather conditions, dust, mold, scents, allergens, and communicable diseases which enable the employee to work outside at a facility, handle construction and library materials, work in older buildings and on jobsites, and interact with coworkers and the public

Essential physical abilities to be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodation are

Daily (greater than 50% of the time)

Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)

Walking (even ground)

Lifting 1-10 pounds

Lifting 11-25 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 11-25 pounds

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Reaching above shoulder

Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)

Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing)

Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Sitting

Receiving Communication and Instructions (vision, reading, hearing)

Conveying Communication and Instructions (Speaking, writing)

Using computer data entry tools - keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner

Frequently (up to 50% of the time)

Standing (more than 1 hour at a time)

Walking (variable surfaces)

Lifting 26-40 pounds

Lifting 40+ pounds

Sitting

Pushing/Pulling 26-40 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 40+ pounds

Standing (up to 1 hour at a time)

Standing (more than 1 hour at a time)

Walking (even ground)

Walking (variable surfaces)

Lifting 1-10 pounds

Lifting 11-25 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 1-10 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 11-25 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 26-40 pounds

Pushing/Pulling 40+ pounds

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Reaching above shoulder

Occasionally (approximately 1-2 times per month)

Climbing stepstools

Climbing ladders

Lifting 26-40 pounds

Rarely (1-5 times per year)

Lifting 40+ pounds

Climbing stepstools

Climbing ladders

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Any applicant requiring an accommodation should contact the Mid-Continent Public Library Human Resources Department at .

Applicants will be considered for employment opportunities on the merits of their skills and experience related to the position sought. Employment offers are conditional upon submitting a criminal records check, identity verification, and national sex offender registry check. Applicants will not be denied employment solely or in part because of a prior conviction, unless MCPL determines the conviction is job-related. If a background check yields information that is of concern to MCPL, the applicant will be given an opportunity to review the background check findings and present information regarding inaccuracy, mitigating circumstances, and rehabilitation.