employer logo

Department Head, Youth Services

Douglas County Libraries

9292 Ridgeline Blvd

Application Deadline

Apply By Jan 14th, 2015

Wages

Not Specified

Location

Littleton, CO

Hours

40.00

MLS

Preferred

Minimum Education

Not Specified

Library Experience

Required

Supervisory Experience

Required

Type of Library

Public

This job is more than 3 weeks old or the application deadline has passed.

Job Description

WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM!

APPLY TODAY!

The Department Head position manages and coordinates Youth Services, for Children and Teens, at the library branch. This position is responsible for the management and coordination of staff scheduling at the Youth Services desks, Story times, Special Programs and related outreach services, along with training, coaching and development of staff. Work is performed with considerable independent judgment and initiative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Responsible for the daily assignment of staff and efficient operations of the Youth Services Desks, Story times, and Special Programs. Resolves staff scheduling conflicts as these arise. Coordinates with the Branch Manager and Director of Human Resources in addressing job-related concerns of the staff members.
  • Identifies and assigns staff members’ off-desk duties, district committees, and projects taking into account, whenever possible, staff members’ interests and preferences.
  • Conducts performance evaluations of the Youth Services staff directly assigned to the position and provides input into the performance evaluations of those doing story time or assigned projects in Youth Services. Discusses all staff evaluations with the Branch Manager prior to meeting with staff members.
  • In conjunction with the Branch Manager, conducts hiring interviews and jointly makes hiring decisions for new Youth Services staff. Accurately processes new hire forms for the Youth Services staff. Schedules training of new staff with the District Training and Support Coordinator. May assign an existing staff member to serve as an informal mentor to a newly hired person.
  • Recommends and guides staff development, taking into account, whenever possible, staff members’ interests, skills, preferences or areas of needed professional growth.
  • Establishes outreach programs and contacts with local schools and assigns Youth Services staff as liaisons to the schools.
  • Serves as a role model in demonstrating the library district’s “patron first” philosophy and as a resource person in serving patrons and resolving problems.
  • On a regular basis, schedules meetings of the Youth Services staff to share branch and district information and to provide a means of upward communications with the Branch Manager.
  • Coordinates with District Youth’s (Children and Teen) Program Specialists on special programs for the library branch.
  • Performs other work duties as assigned.

Additional Info & Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally performed in an office and library environment, at computer workstations, on multiple tasks, software programs, and projects. Work requires constant sitting and computer work, moderate physical activity, close visual work; with limited proximity to automated handling equipment, limited exposure to moderate noise levels, residual dirt, dust, and occasional exposure to chemicals, mold or foreign substances. Work involves extensive interaction with customers and staff, moderate exposure to behavior issues, and may require regular travel. May require varied work hours, including weekends and evenings, which may change periodically.

  • Working knowledge of the principles of Youth Services is required.
  • Requires excellent patron service skills and experience. Must consistently practice the “patron comes first” philosophy.
  • Requires strong knowledge, skills and experience in training, coaching, scheduling, developing, and supervision of staff.
  • Must have advanced knowledge of the principles of Reference and Readers’ Advisory services.  
  • Must function as an effective, thoughtful and decisive leader of the branch facility in the absence of the Branch Manager.
  • Must be able to work independently and to demonstrate a positive attitude toward staff and patrons of all ages.
  • Strong change management, decision making and problem solving skills are preferred.
  • Must possess a general working knowledge of the essential circulation staff duties. Must have willingness and ability to learn District circulation, materials handling and patron services policies and procedures.
  • Must be an effective and professional communicator. Must possess ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
  • Must demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and image in order to effectively represent the District. Must demonstrate the ability to cooperate with patrons, volunteers, peers and co-workers at all levels.
  • Must have the ability to learn and become proficient in functions required to perform job duties, working effectively independently or as part of a team to complete tasks as assigned.
  • Must communicate effectively using English. Must read, write and understand English at a level appropriate to the position.

The Community

The pioneer spirit, accompanied by the beauty of the mountains, foothills and plains, is gloriously evident in Douglas County. In 1861, the Colorado Territorial Session Laws created Douglas County, named after Stephen A. Douglas. Known as the “Little Giant.”

Today, Douglas County is virtually the geographic center of Colorado. The County is approximately 843 square miles, 71 square miles of which are permanently protected land through the Douglas County Open Space Program. Recreational areas include more than 146,000 acres of Pike National Forest, Roxborough State Park, Castlewood Canyon State Park and the Chatfield State Recreation Area. The County’s strength, as the centerpiece of the Denver/Colorado Springs development corridor, is a perfect blend of quality lifestyle and business environment.

Douglas County Libraries is the fourth-largest library system in Colorado. Our mission is to be a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning, and we play a vital role in the life of our community. We lend more than eight million books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, eBooks, and audiobooks every year, including more children’s material than any other Colorado library.

Douglas County Libraries is consistently ranked among the top public libraries in the nation for the population we serve. We value helpful service to all, exploration and discovery, community connections and innovation. Our seven library branches comprise an independent library district funded by a 4.0 mill levy approved by Douglas County voters in 1996.

For more about our budget, our stewardship of public funds and our citizens’ return on their investment, please visit our transparency portal on our website: DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

 

HR Info

Apply via our online application system at DouglasCountyLibraries.org. Hand delivered, mailed, faxed or emailed applications and resumes will not be accepted. EOE.

Posted Dec 26, 2014