Library Associate (Prison Libraries) Job at State of Washington in Washington

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.

The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.

Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, this position is responsible for the delivery of library and information services to the incarcerated individuals, performing expert level library duties related to collection development, reference/information delivery, and automated circulation systems.

We currently have 5 openings for this full-time position with Institutional Library Services (ILS) of the Washington State Library, and they are available in the following counties: Grays Harbor, Spokane, Pierce, and Walla Walla.

Don't quite meet the Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4 (LAPP4) qualifications, but think you might be a great fit on our team? We're willing to fill this position as an in-training from the Library & Archives Paraprofessional 3 (LAPP3) level. This means you would have an assigned training plan which includes classroom and on-the-job training. Upon successful completion you will promote to a Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4.

This position is an in-training position and can be filled at either the Library & Archives Paraprofessional 3 or Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4 level depending on the applicant's qualifications. Monthly salary ranges for the two levels are as follows:

• Library & Archives Paraprofessional 3: $3,393 - $4,410
• Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4: $3,999 - $5,241

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Tasks include:

• Coordinates and participates in other ongoing library services and implements and evaluates workflow priorities.
• Organizes, implements, and maintains all phases of interlibrary loan process.
• Manages automated circulation system, including clerk restricted functions, registering new patrons, creating holding records, entering bibliographic information, preparing and customizing reports, database clean-up, and inventory. Evaluates and makes authorized decisions regarding situations requiring deviation or exception from normal procedures.
• Develops, implements, and monitors training for incarcerated library clerks.
• Hires, trains, supervises, coaches, and evaluates incarcerated library clerks.
• Coordinates the daily work of incarcerated library clerks and supervises them in the maintenance of library operations and services. Implements and evaluates library clerk priorities.
• Uses expert knowledge of collection development practices to participate in the selection of library materials to meet the needs of patrons and for the maintenance of collections through periodic weeding and inventory.
• Participates in the development and implementation of library programming and outreach.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies.
• Establishes guidelines for behavior of incarcerated library patrons.
• Interprets and ensures compliance with institutional and library rules.
• Orders and maintains library and office supplies.
• Compiles periodic statistical and narrative reports.

Tasks include:

• Searches for, evaluates, and selects material to fill general and reentry information requests.
• Uses expert knowledge of information sources to search for, evaluates and select material to support incarcerated patrons enrolled in college classes.

Tasks include:

• Provides coverage for other branch libraries.
• Provides technical support or subject expertise to accomplish program goals.
• Works with colleagues on projects for other branches.
• Participates in planning and evaluating services, policies, and procedures for Institutional Library Services.
• Attends office sponsored training activities and events.

• Within the past 10 years, four years of experience in a library providing adult/young adult public service.
• Ability to read and write English language.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

• Experience with OCLC WorldShare interlibrary loan.
• Experience providing adult/young adult reference and reader’s advisory services.

• Within the past 10 years, three years of experience in a library providing adult/young adult public service.
• Ability to read and write English language.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

• Experience with OCLC WorldShare interlibrary loan.
• Experience providing adult/young adult reference and reader’s advisory services.

This position requires sitting and standing for long periods of time while working in a library/office environment. The core hours are Monday - Friday from 8 AM-5 PM. Some evening and weekend work is required. Some in-state travel including overnight stays required. If driving a vehicle for company purposes, will be required to submit a valid driver license to supervisor. This position uses standard office equipment such as a computer, fax, copier, and phone. The incumbent coordinates with others inside and outside the organization to share information, make decisions, arrange for services or other assistance, and/or implement solutions to problems or complaints.

• Willingness and ability to work within the constraints of the institution and work effectively with incarcerated individuals.
• Successful completion of DOC CORE training must be completed within the first 9 months of employment.
• Must pass criminal history background check.

• Required: To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
• Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
• Current resume
• Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.