The Thomas Memorial Library is seeking an energetic, creative, and kid-friendly individual for the position of Family Engagement Assistant. This role provides direct services to children and their families at our public service desk and leads programming for ages 0-18 while supporting the flow of various clerical tasks. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and includes some evenings and Saturdays.
Please see the position specifications and application instructions below, and the full job description here.
Position: Family Engagement Assistant
Classification: Library Assistant II
Hours/week: 40 hours/week, includes evenings and weekends
Starting rate: $22.00/hour
Benefits: Holiday, vacation, sick leave, health & dental insurance, and participation in Mission Square retirement plan
General Position Summary
The Family Engagement Assistant is part of a team that ensures a positive experience for children and their caregivers visiting the library, accomplished by engaging in conversation and connecting them with quality resources while promoting services and leading library programs. You will assist in creating a welcoming community destination by developing and leading engaging programs (in-person and virtual) for ages 0 – 18, such as story times, summer reading, and creative arts – as well as brainstorming new and exciting ideas for the future of library services and community outreach. Additionally, the Assistants staff the circulation desk and are the regular point of contact for anyone visiting the children’s room.
Desired traits:
• Empathy, patience, and compassion, which translate into strong people skills
• A willingness to try, even in circumstances of uncertainty
• Enthusiasm for contributing to a team culture; a spirit of experimentation and fun
• Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to manage change (and sometimes chaos!)
• Ability to tailor communication; being comfortable giving presentations
• Commitment to learning about and connecting with the local community
Desired competencies specific to position:
• Familiarity with library ethics, services, organizational mission
• Aptitude with technology (instruction and use)
• Excellent customer service skills including patient, friendly, and courteous communication in-person, on the phone, and in written communication
• Ability to explain and enforce library behavior policies, using age-appropriate techniques and respectful interactions with caregivers and youth
• Basic knowledge and interest in childhood development
• Basic knowledge and interest in children’s literature and supportive family resources
• Program development and implementation experience
Major Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing developmentally-appropriate programming for specific age groups and being the friendly contact point for the Children’s Room circulation desk; maintaining the collection and public space and monitoring its use.
- Day-to-day responsibilities include providing circulation, reader’s advisory, and reference services to families and children; answering phones; use of and instruction relating to technology; monitoring activities in public spaces; social media assistance.
Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
- Three (3) years of experience performing circulation, collections, technical services, and/or program support in a library, or significant experience working with children and/or teens.
To apply:
Please send the following via email to Rachel Davis, Library Director at rdavis@thomas.lib.me.us:
- Cover letter including a brief example of a program or service you’ve lead for children/families
- Resume
- The names of and contact information for three professional references
Deadline: Open until filled.