Job Description
The Denver Public Library (DPL) is a growing urban library system that serves the City & County of Denver. DPL sees more than 4 million visitors every year across its 27 locations, serves Denver’s most vulnerable communities through outreach and mobile services, hosts thousands of programs a year and manages a collection of more than 1.4 million physical and digital materials. We believe a strong library is vital for a strong community. DPL is committed to serving the evolving needs of Denverites through inspired programming, diverse collections, culturally-representative spaces and equitable policies & procedures.
The Valdez-Perry Library is a dynamic hub in the middle of the Elyria neighborhood but also serves the Globeville and Swansea communities. We are a full service Denver Public Library, and are committed to offering services that demonstrate the library’s values of Connection, Curiosity, Equity, Stewardship and Welcoming in action. We have people of all ages but have a big presence of young people that utilize our resources to fulfill their needs. We offer valuable service to our neighbors in Spanish and English (computers, tech help, printing and copying, and more) while doing outreach to the community as a whole. We work together with our community partners to collectively find ways to connect people with resources in our service area.
DPL is hiring a bilingual (English/Spanish) Library Program Associate for the Valdez-Perry Branch Library to implement dynamic outreach and programming opportunities, provide library services to a diverse customer base, and strengthen community connections. This position fosters a welcoming environment and excellent customer service to the public, both inside and outside of the branch. We want to meet folks where they are so you will spend most of your time outside of the library building relationships in creative ways. You will often assist customers with questions, connect customers to resources, offer readers advisory, and help navigate technology. You will work collaboratively with the Senior Librarian and Mobile Services Department to identify library community engagement and outreach needs as well as assist in the planning of and participation in special events. You will develop and maintain strong and lasting relationships with community partners and work directly with community members to understand and respond to their library needs.
Our ideal candidate has:
- Knowledge of and/or experience (personal or professional) working with youth.
- Skill in creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
- Skill in using technology and assisting customers with varying levels of experience and knowledge.
- Ability to provide equitable, empathetic, and excellent customer service drawn from lived experiences and knowledge of EDI concepts and practices.
- Ability to thrive working in constant public contact with people from all backgrounds and age groups, specifically with the desire and capability to demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor while engaging with customers, coworkers and community.
- Ability to listen to and evaluate community needs and design responsive services and programming, including the ability to facilitate group conversations.
- Ability to creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner including setting boundaries and safety expectations with coworkers and community members.
- Ability to work independently and stay self-motivated while also effectively communicating and collaborating with coworkers and community partners.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment with continuous lifting of objects weighing up to 75 lbs and moving heavy carts in tight spaces is necessary.
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered:
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field (one year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education).
- Spanish language fluency.
Other things to know:
- City Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All persons offered a position will be required to provide valid proof of vaccination prior to starting employment.
- DPL is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion; diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
- The schedule will be determined by the needs of the branch and might include weekend and evening hours.
- Please provide a resume and cover letter with your application highlighting your relevant skills.
- The City and County of Denver offers a bilingual stipend to employees who speak a second language in the course of their job duties. Employees who qualify earn an additional $50 per pay period they work.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
The City and County of Denver benefits package will be offered. Although the full salary range is provided, we anticipate offers will fall between $21.70 and $24.42 per hour.
Additional Info & Requirements
We anticipate this posting will close on February 18, 2022. Please submit an application at your earliest convenience in order to be considered.