King County Library System
King County Library System is hiring: Public Services Assistant - Skyway - 40 Ho
King County Library System, Issaquah, WA, United States
Salary: $31.12 - $37.83 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00159
Department: Riverview Region - IS/MI/NC/RH/RN/SW
Opening Date: 10/31/2024
Closing Date: 11/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Union Represented: Yes
General Position Summary
Job Number: 2024-00159
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Public Services Assistant (PSA) to provide service in the SkywayLibrary.
The Public Services Assistant (PSA) assists patrons with information about library materials, equipment, programs, and services in order to help them succeed through ideas, interaction and information. This position provides assistance in person, online, and over the phone. The PSA also works in library material circulation and materials handling. The PSA regularly assists patrons in using computers and printers and works to ensure that library technology is functioning. The PSA also addresses patron behavior issues in the library. PSAs may need to directly de-escalate and resolve disputes, enforce the and handle challenging situations with patrons.
The successful candidates for this position will develop and maintain positive relationships with coworkers and patrons, resolving service, circulation or technology issues with a high standard of customer service and adept critical thinking skills. The successful candidates will also possess direct customer service experience, be able to model and champion Intellectual Freedom, and be comfortable and confident working directly with diverse communities.
Required: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.
The schedule below may change based on business needs.
Schedule:Monday: 9:15-6:15pm
Wednesday: 11:15-5:15pm
Thursday: 9:15-6:15pm
Friday: 9:15-6:15pm
Saturday: 11:15-6:15pm
*All shifts worked at Skyway Library
About King County Library System (KCLS):
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email .
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.
Core Competencies:
Customer Focus
Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.
Valuing Diversity
Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment
Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.
Approachability
Listens more than they talk; allows appropriate time for interactions; purposely builds rapport, sets positive tone and exhibits confidence by body language and speech. Maintains boundaries.
Dealing with Ambiguity
Can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without the total picture; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty, does not exhibit excessive need to control or track, can 'let go' and move forward in uncertainty.
Teamwork/Collaborating
Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member's strengths and differences.
Composure
Calm and reflective, self-possessed even in the face of provocation, recognizes and manages stress appropriately, even during tough times.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position is:
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None
Physical Demands & Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, up to frequently on feet standing and walking, handling, grasping, reaching at waist level, keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching below or above shoulder and bending/squatting. The employee will frequently lift/carry 5 pounds and seldom lift up to 35 pounds and will seldom need to push/pull carts using light force.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a library environment with some hectic or demanding situations. The position experiences frequent interruptions and maximum flexibility is required. Varied work hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically, constant standing, extensive close work (eyestrain) and extensive PC monitor work are required. May encounter situations that involve behavioral issues.
General Benefits Summary
Paid Time off
It is the policy of KCLS to grant to all part-time and full-time employees:
Our health insurance plans with Kaiser/Premera/Delta Dental are offered at low premium rates to all employees working 20 or more hours per week. Employees may also purchase benefits for dependents and domestic partners.
Retirement - Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) program. Both KCLS and the employee contribute toward PERS retirement benefits.
Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts and Health Saving Account
Employees working 20 hours per week or more can set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for family medical and dependent care needs. KCLS provides an annual employer contribution to Health Saving Account when the employee is enrolled in a high deductible health plan.
Life and Accidental Death & Disability, Long Term Disability Insurance
All the employees working 20 hours per week or more qualify for the group term life and AD& D insurance benefits equal to one times their annual salary. Employees working 40 hours per week receive long-term disability insurance.
Optional/Voluntary Benefits
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible to participate in the following voluntary benefits:
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (available to all KCLS Employees)
01
Please fill out both the application and this questionnaire completely. Any false or incompleteanswers (such as "see resume" or "see application") may result in your not having an opportunity to interview. Do you agree to answer each of these questions truthfully, and do you understandthat your answers will be compared to the information on your application?
02
Are you a current KCLS staff member still in your probationary period?
03
Are you a current KCLS staff member in the 1857 union?
04
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please select which 1857 union you are in:
05
Can you work varied hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically?
06
Please indicate your highest level of completed education:
07
Please describe two specific experiences when you provided exceptional customer service. If you have no customer service experience, please indicate "None".
08
Please select all of the options below which best describe your experience delivering library service. If you have no experience delivering direct library service, please select "None".
09
For the library service experience you indicated above, please briefly describe your experience. Include the position and organization you worked in at the time, the level of reference provided, and the frequency. If None, please indicate "N/A".
10
The King County Library System works to offer library materials that represent a wide range of community interests. This is one of the foundations of our policy of intellectual freedom, the idea that each and every patron has the right to choose the materials that interest them. Given this policy of Intellectual Freedom would you both allow and support the fact that patrons have the right to choose what they wish to see, to hear, or to read at the library?
11
Can you (with or without reasonable accommodation) perform the physical requirements of this position as described in the job posting?
12
As indicated in the posting, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and current resume detailing your relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position. Have you done this?
13
Where did you hear about this job opportunity? Please select all that apply.
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00159
Department: Riverview Region - IS/MI/NC/RH/RN/SW
Opening Date: 10/31/2024
Closing Date: 11/21/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Union Represented: Yes
General Position Summary
Job Number: 2024-00159
King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Public Services Assistant (PSA) to provide service in the SkywayLibrary.
The Public Services Assistant (PSA) assists patrons with information about library materials, equipment, programs, and services in order to help them succeed through ideas, interaction and information. This position provides assistance in person, online, and over the phone. The PSA also works in library material circulation and materials handling. The PSA regularly assists patrons in using computers and printers and works to ensure that library technology is functioning. The PSA also addresses patron behavior issues in the library. PSAs may need to directly de-escalate and resolve disputes, enforce the and handle challenging situations with patrons.
The successful candidates for this position will develop and maintain positive relationships with coworkers and patrons, resolving service, circulation or technology issues with a high standard of customer service and adept critical thinking skills. The successful candidates will also possess direct customer service experience, be able to model and champion Intellectual Freedom, and be comfortable and confident working directly with diverse communities.
Required: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.
The schedule below may change based on business needs.
Schedule:Monday: 9:15-6:15pm
Wednesday: 11:15-5:15pm
Thursday: 9:15-6:15pm
Friday: 9:15-6:15pm
Saturday: 11:15-6:15pm
*All shifts worked at Skyway Library
About King County Library System (KCLS):
KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email .
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:
Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.
- Provides information assistance and readers' advisory assistance as expected, in person, online or over the phone, including use of library resources, equipment and technology. Assists patrons in the use of library collections through reference interviews, literature and electronic searches and instruction in the use of catalogs, paper and electronic resources. Refers questions to a librarian, as necessary.
- Educates, trains and assists patrons in the use of library technology, equipment and resources. Reports needs for repair and non-routine maintenance to ITS, as appropriate. If assigned the duty, troubleshoots problems escalated from the basic level of AMH support and contacts vendors, as necessary.
- Assists patrons with check-in and check-out and with locating materials at a branch and within KCLS. Resolves problems with patron's account and record. Assists patrons and staff with scheduling and using facility including meeting rooms.
- Promotes, educates and supports the principles of intellectual freedom with staff and patrons. Resolves related concerns or redirects to appropriate source.
- Resolves staff and patron incidents, problems, concerns and conflicts ensuring that Rules of Conduct are followed or redirects to appropriate source.
- Performs full range of circulation duties as outlined in Circulation Manual.
- Provides assistance with and delivers library programs, as assigned.
- Completes reports as required.
- Promotes and displays materials, services and programs.
- Provides mentoring and training for staff in areas of expertise.
- Work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends.
- Participates in activities such as committee work, training, staff meetings, etc.
- Performs daily cash handling and register functions.
- Performs lower classification duties, as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
Customer Focus
Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.
Valuing Diversity
Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment
Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.
Approachability
Listens more than they talk; allows appropriate time for interactions; purposely builds rapport, sets positive tone and exhibits confidence by body language and speech. Maintains boundaries.
Dealing with Ambiguity
Can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without the total picture; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty, does not exhibit excessive need to control or track, can 'let go' and move forward in uncertainty.
Teamwork/Collaborating
Works cooperatively and productively with others to achieve goals and deliverables. Is aware of, utilizes and celebrate their own and team member's strengths and differences.
Composure
Calm and reflective, self-possessed even in the face of provocation, recognizes and manages stress appropriately, even during tough times.
Desired Minimum Qualification
Education and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position is:
- Graduation from a two-year vocational or technical degree or certificate program. Advanced education or training may be beneficial, but is not required.
- Three years' customer service experience that includes decision making in a library or other setting.
- Or other combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None
Physical Demands & Work Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, up to frequently on feet standing and walking, handling, grasping, reaching at waist level, keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching below or above shoulder and bending/squatting. The employee will frequently lift/carry 5 pounds and seldom lift up to 35 pounds and will seldom need to push/pull carts using light force.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a library environment with some hectic or demanding situations. The position experiences frequent interruptions and maximum flexibility is required. Varied work hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically, constant standing, extensive close work (eyestrain) and extensive PC monitor work are required. May encounter situations that involve behavioral issues.
General Benefits Summary
Paid Time off
It is the policy of KCLS to grant to all part-time and full-time employees:
- Annual Leave (Vacation).
- Sick Leave
- Holidays - KCLS celebrates eleven (11) holidays each year and one (1) floating holiday. Part-time employees are eligible for holiday pay if they are scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls on.
Our health insurance plans with Kaiser/Premera/Delta Dental are offered at low premium rates to all employees working 20 or more hours per week. Employees may also purchase benefits for dependents and domestic partners.
Retirement - Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) program. Both KCLS and the employee contribute toward PERS retirement benefits.
Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts and Health Saving Account
Employees working 20 hours per week or more can set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for family medical and dependent care needs. KCLS provides an annual employer contribution to Health Saving Account when the employee is enrolled in a high deductible health plan.
Life and Accidental Death & Disability, Long Term Disability Insurance
All the employees working 20 hours per week or more qualify for the group term life and AD& D insurance benefits equal to one times their annual salary. Employees working 40 hours per week receive long-term disability insurance.
Optional/Voluntary Benefits
Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible to participate in the following voluntary benefits:
- Supplemental Term Life and AD&D Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Nationwide Pet Insurance
- Allstate Identity Theft Protection
- Student Loan Refinance
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (available to all KCLS Employees)
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan - You can supplement any other retirement benefits you may have by setting aside pre-tax dollars in this retirement savings account.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - This employer-sponsored program is a confidential service that can provide referrals to counseling, financial, legal, child care/elder care services.
- Ride-Wise - KCLS encourages you to "leave the car at home" and seek other ways to commute to work. All employees are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of your tax-free ORCA transit pass and van pool. The Guaranteed Ride Home program is also available for staff.
- Tuition Assistance - KCLS encourages employees to pursue college, associate and graduate degrees and certificate programs where such education and knowledge bring value to KCLS. Tuition assistance, as funding permits, is available to all employees.
- Language Class Funding - The program covers classes that teach language identified in the KCLS world languages collection, American Sign Language, and English as an Additional Language (ESL). You don't need a work-related reason to study a language.
01
Please fill out both the application and this questionnaire completely. Any false or incompleteanswers (such as "see resume" or "see application") may result in your not having an opportunity to interview. Do you agree to answer each of these questions truthfully, and do you understandthat your answers will be compared to the information on your application?
- Yes
- No
02
Are you a current KCLS staff member still in your probationary period?
- Yes
- No
03
Are you a current KCLS staff member in the 1857 union?
- Yes
- No
04
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please select which 1857 union you are in:
- 1857-P
- 1857-M
- 1857-S
- 1857-F
05
Can you work varied hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically?
- Yes
- No
06
Please indicate your highest level of completed education:
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Some college and/or certifications
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
07
Please describe two specific experiences when you provided exceptional customer service. If you have no customer service experience, please indicate "None".
08
Please select all of the options below which best describe your experience delivering library service. If you have no experience delivering direct library service, please select "None".
- Circulation Service
- Basic Information Service
- Quick Item Lookup
- Reader's Advisory
- None
09
For the library service experience you indicated above, please briefly describe your experience. Include the position and organization you worked in at the time, the level of reference provided, and the frequency. If None, please indicate "N/A".
10
The King County Library System works to offer library materials that represent a wide range of community interests. This is one of the foundations of our policy of intellectual freedom, the idea that each and every patron has the right to choose the materials that interest them. Given this policy of Intellectual Freedom would you both allow and support the fact that patrons have the right to choose what they wish to see, to hear, or to read at the library?
- Yes
- No
11
Can you (with or without reasonable accommodation) perform the physical requirements of this position as described in the job posting?
- Yes
- No
12
As indicated in the posting, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and current resume detailing your relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position. Have you done this?
- Yes - I have attached my resume and cover letter.
- No - I understand my application is considered incomplete without the required materials.
13
Where did you hear about this job opportunity? Please select all that apply.
- KCLS Social Media (Facebook or Twitter)
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Washington Library Association (WLA)
- Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA)
- Seattle Public Libraries (SPL)
- Sno-Isle Libraries
- Pierce County Libraries
- Indeed.com
- WorkSource
- Government Jobs (public sector job site)
- Referral from KCLS Staff Member
- Job Interest Email Notification
- Other
Required Question