Library Safety Specialist - Aberdeen Job at Timberland Regional Library in Olymp

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Aberdeen, WA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 24-037

Department: Aberdeen

Opening Date: 10/10/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

The Aberdeen Timberland Library is seeking a candidate with an interest in serving the community in a social services capacity to fill the role of Library Safety Specialist. A successful Library Safety Specialist will have the skills to create a safe, welcoming environment by building rapport with library visitors while upholding behavior expectations and using trauma-informed practices to de-escalate challenging situations. The LSS creates positive library experiences for patrons, including assisting with referrals to available resources and services. This position reports to a Library Manager, Assistant Library Manager, or Operations Supervisor as part of a service-oriented team.

Our ideal candidate will have public service experience, preferably including experience with marginalized populations (e.g. unhoused people), excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with people from all segments of society. Additionally, they will also have ability to de-escalate when tensions are high and to exercise good judgment in stressful situations and a willingness to have tough conversations and uphold library behavior expectations.

• Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
• Type: This regular position is FLSA non-exempt, with excellent benefits.
• Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Local 3758.
• Starting Pay: The full pay range for this position is$28.04 - $38.81 per hour. Employees new to Timberland Regional Library typically start at step 1, 2 or 3 of the pay range, depending upon qualifications with steps above that being longevity steps.

The Timberland Regional Library offers a Bilingual pay incentive for demonstrated fluency in the following languages: Spanish/Spanish Creole, American Sign Language, and in Thurston County onlyKorean and Vietnamese.
Examples of Duties & Responsibilities

Class specifications are intended to provide a descriptive list illustrative of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. May be assigned any of the following duties:

• Builds rapport and relationships with patrons in the library to promote a safe environment and engagement with library resources.
• Works to defuse and mediate confrontations, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful library use through active listening and trauma-informed practices.
• Explains and, when needed, applies library behavior expectations and policies to maintain appropriate patron conduct and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Provides customer service to patrons regarding technology, circulation, and information needs, and assists with processing library materials.
• Acts as a liaison between the library and local service agencies and provides appropriate referrals and connections to such agencies to meet patron needs.
• Facilitates crisis response, contacting emergency services as needed.
• Conducts regular checks of the building's interior and exterior to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.
• Performs urgent maintenance and biohazard cleanup tasks for the safety of the staff and the public.
• Documents library incidents and debriefs with staff following incidents.
• May provide training and/or guidance to staff. 11. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education & Experience

Associate's degree and at least 3 years of experience working with the public, with a preference for work with marginalized communities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington Driver's License with an acceptable driving record is required.
• Must pass and maintain a criminal background check.
• The ability to work evenings and weekends and to adapt to schedule changes on short notice.

How to Apply:

• Complete Application - Please include full work history
• Attach cover letter ONLY.
• For positions requiring an MLIS you may attach the degree andState of Washington Librarian Certificate. This is not a required application attachment, but must be documented prior to official employment with TRL.
• Please note: Failure to follow the application instructions above may lead to disqualification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Core Skills and Qualities
Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:

• Demonstrate quality customer service.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Exhibit reliability and dependability.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility.
• Work well with others, show respect, contribute to the team.
• Demonstrate library values of service, integrity, collaboration, and community focus.
• Demonstrate leadership in handling multiple tasks.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Employees are expected to perform or possess the following:

• Cultural sensitivity when working with patrons of all ages and backgrounds, coworkers, and the community in a trauma-informed manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of de-escalation techniques. The ability to creatively problem-solve and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to compose a comprehensive narrative for accurate and non-biased incident reports.
• Ability to use library computer systems, databases, and software.
• Ability to recognize and manage safety hazards.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, volunteers, patrons, and the public.

Technology Requirements:

• PC navigation skills in a Windows-based environment; ability to connect and print
• Ability to navigate, search and use web functions and software applications (i.e., time and attendance systems, security cameras)
• Microsoft Office Suite skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed in a library environment and involves regular contact with the public.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and lifting objects up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to push/pull library carts and lift/carry library materials.
• May be exposed to potentially intimidating and/or unreceptive members of the public.
• May work alone, without other library staff present, in the library or in community settings.

Timberland Regional Library is an intercounty public library system whose service area spans from the Pacific Coast of Southwest Washington to the Foothills of Mount Rainier, and from the Hood Canal to the mouth of the Columbia River. We serve more than 500,000 rural and urban residents through our network of 29 community libraries, 1 public kiosk and 1 cooperative library center, and strive to provide excellent service to any and all who seek us out. Our mission is to welcome everyone to a vibrant world of possibilities, connect people places and ideas, and evolve to meet the needs of our communities.

We offer competitive salaries with a full suite of benefits for regular employees hired at .50 FTE and above:

• Medical - Regence or Kaiser Permanente, four plan options to choose from.
• Dental - Washington Dental Service or Willamette Dental
• Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and Long-term Disability insurance (The Standard).
• Short-term disability insurance (Aflac) at the employees option.
• Flexible Benefits Savings Plans, Available Health Savings Account
• Participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) (City, County, and State Employees may be able to roll over service credit years upon hire.)
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Paid Sick Leave, Vacation Leave and 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Personal Holidays

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What experience do you have working with underserved or marginalized populations?

Required Question