SUMMARY

 Position Title: Youth Programs Specialist

 Department: Youth Services

 Reporting Relations: Youth Services Manager

 Pay Level: Grade 24

 Starting Wage: $24.48 – $27.00 per hour

 Job Status: FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Job Posting Open Date: August 28, 2024

Job Posting Closing Date Extension: September 20, 2024 

Location:  Wilkinson Public Library is located at 100 W. Pacific Avenue, Telluride, Colorado 81435

To Apply:

1. Complete WPL online job application at https://telluridelibrary.org/employment/.
2. Include resume and cover letter. Upload file link included on online job application.

Wilkinson Public Library (WPL) is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all staff.  WPL is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age over 40, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic or status protected by law.  In addition, WPL will not make hiring decisions based upon a person’s political affiliation, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

BENEFITS

Wilkinson Public Library offers a generous benefit package that is based on regularly scheduled hours:

Regularly Scheduled Full-Time Status

Benefits include cafeteria health, dental, vision insurance, group life/accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, group long term disability insurance, health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement contributions, PERAPlus 401(k), vacation pay, sick leave pay, paid personal days, holiday pay, paid family and medical leave, bereavement leave, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, wellness reimbursement.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Youth Program Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing a variety of programs and services for children 5-12 years old and their families. This position requires collaboration within a team setting to create engaging, educational, and inclusive library experiences that meet the needs of the community’s youth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development:

• Plan and execute engaging programs and activities tailored for school-aged children and their caregivers on a regular basis, including weekly and monthly programs, as well as coordinating special events.
• Lead and direct summer programming for the library, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable experience for library patrons during the summer months.
• Collaborate with community partners to offer joint programs and events.
• Gather data to maintain program records and statistical information. Evaluates program effectiveness and makes necessary adjustments.
• Assists the Youth Services Manager in monitoring and managing the programming budget and is responsible for ordering necessary supplies to support programs.

Outreach:

• Serves as a primary point of contact for K-6 educators to support their curriculum needs, offering library resources, materials, and programs that align with their teaching objectives.
• Collaborates with the Latine Outreach Associate to provide targeted support and resources to the Dual Immersion program.

Services:

• Performs youth service desk duties including reference, circulation, and reader’s advisory.
• Assists customers of all ages in the full use of the Library and its digital and print resources.
• Creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all patrons.

Other:

• Contributes as a member of the Youth Services Team.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Seeks opportunities for job-related training, continuing education and professional development as the budget allows.
• This position requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate program schedules.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple programs and events including planning, scheduling, and executing all details effectively.
• Ability to speak and engage with large groups of people, ranging all ages from infants to older adults.
• Passion for libraries and a desire to engage with a diverse community.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment for all ages.
• Ability to listen to and evaluate community needs and design programs to meet those needs.
• Ability to communicate professionally in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work independently.
• Comfortable in using and assisting patrons with technology.
• Ability to provide equitable and emphatic customer service drawn from lived experiences and knowledge of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion concepts and practices.
• Ability to thrive working in an environment with constant public contact with people from all backgrounds and age groups. Including the ability to demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor in working with customers, coworkers, and community.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities to effectively support the team and library operations.
• Creatively solve problems and handle stressful situations with a positive manner and solution-oriented mindset.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal physical effort (ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds).
• Considerable standing, reaching, stooping, bending, and climbing onto a 15” – 30” step stool.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Youth Development preferred; or a combination of related experience.

Experience:  Minimum two (2) years previous experience working in youth programming, an education setting, or in a public library.

Working knowledge of:  Basic computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva; email, social media platforms, and the Internet.

Ability:  Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Library District.