Jobs

Posted 5 June 2008

Library Associate IV
Seattle Public Library

Deadline: 20 June

INVITATION TO COMPETE #15-08
LIBRARY ASSOCIATE IV
Literacy, ESL, World Languages Department
80 hours per pay period
$21.85 - $26.51 per hour

This position is open to the public as well as employees of The Seattle Public Library
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008.
This is a full-time, non-exempt benefitted position. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME. With few exceptions, the candidate selected for this position will be required to join the Union and pay dues.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Library Associate IV reports to the Manager of the Literacy, ESL and World Languages (LEW) department.  The position works with minimal supervision to provide technical and administrative support to the growing ESL program that serves over 2000 learners annually and is supported by a dedicated corps of more than 50 volunteers.  The position assists in the day-to-day operations of the department, with particular emphasis on the ESL Program. Through this emphasis, this position will provide the following to non-native ESL patrons: targeted information and referral to ESL resources at the library and in the community, support community connection efforts, and support for ESL special projects. This position will also provide basic library reference, readers advisory services, interlibrary loan, and/or outreach services to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and information needs of Library users.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public Services: Provide public service at LEW reference desk. Assist users in defining their needs for information or library resources and in developing appropriate strategies for addressing their needs through the use of the reference interview, the library catalog and library database resources. Perform basic bibliographic and other information searches, and refer questions and draw on system wide resources to meet patrons needs effectively. Provide basic readers advisory services, interlibrary loan, and/or outreach services to meet the educational, recreational, cultural, and information needs of Library users.
Programming support: Provide support for the day-to-day operations of the ESL instructional programs: Talk Time, Wired For Learning, Computers For English, partnerships and special projects.

Work with ESL learners by helping to register new students, keep records of classes, creating/submitting promotional materials, web calendar entries for classes, and targeting information/referral services by phone, in-person, email, and by updating resource guides.
Supervise the volunteers that are assigned to provide support for the LEW Department. Consult with the Volunteer Services Coordinator regarding volunteer recruitment, orientation and supervision, as needed.
Assist the ESL Program Coordinator with coordinating services of the volunteers in the Computers for English, Talk Time and Wired for Learning programs. Assist with supervision visits to program sites, as needed.
Work with community partners to support community connection efforts by attending meetings, and maintaining and developing community relations.
Clerical support
Assist ESL Senior Program Manager in gathering and analyzing program data.
Assist in developing booklists and maintain ESL web resources.
Assist in database management.
Assist in development of manuals and procedural documents.
Maintain data for collection development and program planning.
Community Connections: Perform community outreach services, assist with branch and central programming and instruction, design and prepare exhibits and displays, make presentations, and assist the Literacy, ESL, and World Language staff in collection maintenance activities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED;  AA, BA or years of continuing education preferred.

Experience working with multicultural communities.

Excellent customer service:  Must have a minimum of two years experience in direct customer service to the general public, working with diverse audiences in a respectful manner. Must also possess excellent written and oral communication skills; an ability to effectively respond to patron communications and inquiries. Ability to communicate in English, orally and in writing, and comprehend spoken and written English.

Communication skills:  Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with diverse Library patrons and staff; resolve conflicts among staff and between staff and patrons; creative problem-solving skills; work effectively with other staff in a team setting, on projects and in work groups; and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience organizing and directing own work and the work of others:  Must have a minimum of two years experience planning and organizing own work and that of others, specifically volunteers.  Must be able to understand workflow analysis and assist in initiating work process improvement.

Judgment and initiative:  Ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision, understand and interpret a variety of complex oral and written instructions, exercise initiative and creativity in resolving problems, recognize and set priorities, and coordinate multiple on-going projects.

Experience using Library information resources in print and electronic formats: Experience using basic print reference resources, such as dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias and maps.  Experience searching licensed databases and Web search engines, as well as the Library's Web site. Demonstrated ability to learn and use new technologies, including learning and using the Library's Horizon staff and Horizon Information Portal public online circulation systems.

Experience using basic computer office applications and operating office equipment:  Proficiency creating and editing documents and spreadsheets using Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience using e-mail applications and managing e-mail files. Experience managing electronic files in a network environment. Experience using office equipment, including fax machines, photocopiers, scanners and printers. Computer literacy that is sufficient to assist Library users and staff having widely differing skill levels in accessing automated information systems at on-site terminals, workstations, and through dial-in access. 

Management and Project skills:  Demonstrated knowledge and experience with principles of project management, including planning, scheduling, coordinating, evaluating, monitoring, budgeting, and analyzing and developing reports, informational materials and records.

Other required skills and abilities:  Must be flexible in adjusting work hours. Must demonstrate the ability to work with others in a team environment on projects. 

DESIRED

Minimum of two years experience teaching ESL and/or ESL project coordination.

Education and/or demonstrated experience or interest in adult basic education and English as a Second Language programs, and languages other than English.

Ability to speak a second language.  Asian and/or East African languages highly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

To ensure consideration, please submit a Resume and Cover Letter via e-mail to job.application@spl.org by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008. Your materials should describe how your qualifications and experience meet those required for this. Candidates who are invited to interview will be instructed to submit an application via www.spl.org at the time of interview.

THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROUDLY PROMOTES DIVERSITY IN EMPLOYMENT.
If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.