Public Services Specialist; Outreach

Come be a part of the Library Community Services (Outreach) team by providing Community Connections programming throughout the Topeka & Shawnee county community. This is a great opportunity to provide library services to school aged children at locations throughout Topeka & Shawnee County, including at the library and schools. If you love the library and the services we provide and want to share that with our community this is the job for you.

As the Community Services Public Services Specialist, some of the things you will do are:

• Brainstorms, builds, schedules, and presents age-appropriate programs in a variety of formats at the main library, local organizations and in elementary classrooms.
• Plans and executes themed displays, compiles information for bibliographies and programs.
• Assists patrons inquiring about services, periodicals, databases, files, interlibrary loans, and other information.
• Assembles and computes statistical information essential to department.
• Provides information and materials to the public including assistance in locating library materials, information and use of equipment.
• Safely operates library vehicles such as trucks, and vans as needed.
• Files and performs data entry tasks that relate to the status of library materials such as files, restocks shelves, processes reserves, and circulates library materials.
• Maintains assigned collections and everything associated with that function.
• Assumes responsibility during emergencies while programming or working within the department to ensure staff and patron safety and limit disruptions to service. Follows-up with administration and security as needed.
• Delivers materials to community partners and customer homes as needed.
• Recommends materials for collection development and maintains collections.
• Performs checkout duties at offsite locations when necessary.
• Assists with production of division and library-wide publicity as needed including social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.), blogging and print publications as needed.
• Maintains prompt arrival and efficiently and dependably maintains scheduled hours.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A combination of customer service and/or post-secondary education to a total of three years is required.

• Three years of customer service experience.
• One year of experience working with groups of school aged children in a professional capacity.
• Multi-language fluency in English and at least one other language.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong service orientation.
• Good planning, analytical and organizational skills.
• Computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite software applications and Internet searching techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with patrons, volunteers, community partners, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member, be flexible and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• Knowledge of books and City/County streets.
• Knowledge of readers’ advisory and reference techniques.
• Excellent reference skills.
• Strong public service orientation.

8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends are be required.

Starting hourly rate will be in the range of $18.81 to $20.93 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

EOE