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County of Chester, PA

Library Assistant Job at County of Chester, PA in West Chester

County of Chester, PA, West Chester, PA, United States


Salary: $16.37 Hourly

Location : Chester Springs, PA

Job Type: Part Time

Job Number: 03278

Department: Library

Division: Henrietta Hankin Library

Opening Date: 10/30/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Weekly Hours: 18

Shift: Hours will vary and will include nights and weekends. Evening and weekend availability are a requirement for this position

Summary

The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library in Chester Springs, PA is seeking a creative, innovative part-time library assistant to work in our Youth Services Department. The successful candidate will enjoy working with children and will be dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the high standard of information and customer service established by the Library.

The person in this role is responsible for planning and presenting developmentally appropriate, standards-based literacy programs for preschoolers and assisting, as needed with programs for children of all ages. They provide reference and readers' advisory for children and their families and help customers find materials, place holds, and navigate our website. The Library Assistant is also responsible for keeping the children's and young adult areas attractive and orderly (including shelving). Problem solving, following policies and procedures, and working cooperatively are integral parts of daily activities. The ability to provide excellent customer service is vital.

Criminal background check is required.

State Child Abuse Clearance is required.

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).

Essential Duties

  • Provide general reference and readers' advisory services.
  • Plan, promote, and lead standards-based programs for children, birth to teen, and their families.
  • Assist customers in locating library materials.
  • Sort returned materials according to classification code and need for repair, and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  • Assist patrons in using electronic equipment.
  • Complete training modules as assigned.
  • Participate in department, committee, and library-wide staff meetings.
Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
  • Experience planning and presenting programs to children and families.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Basic office skills and independently use a personal computer and various software packages.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision.
  • Ability to shelve materials within the appropriate classification scheme.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to compare alphabetical and numerical material for accuracy.
  • Strong commitment to customer services.
  • PA criminal background check.
  • PA child abuse clearance.
  • FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
  • Completion of a two- or four-year program from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, elementary education, or children's literature.
  • Ability to speak in public (presentation and storytelling skills).
  • Knowledge of children's literature.
  • Knowledge of child development and skills.
  • Familiarity with the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to View statements.
  • Experience working in a library with computerized systems.
  • General knowledge of library operations or the principles and practices of public library service.
  • Ability to develop a working knowledge about Chester County Library services and programs.
  • Ability to work alone and as part of a team.


Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
  • Basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills
  • Internet searching skills
  • Proficiency with Library's online catalog


Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit; walk; stand; bend at the waist while working; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; talk or hear; handle and lift up to 25 pounds; push a cart of books that weighs up to 75 pounds; and sit at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours at a time. Occasionally, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulders or reach above shoulder height.

The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:
  • Close vision for reading and operating a computer.


Other:
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends on rotation, as necessary.
  • Library is open seven days a week (total of 65 hours).


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What is your highest level of education?
  • No formal Education
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate or higher (includes Juris Doctorate and Medical Doctorate)


Required Question