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 Smiley Branch Library is a location that is small in size but big in community engagement and customer service. This historic library branch was recently renovated to better serve the growing Northwest Denver community’s needs, yet Smiley maintains its unique charm.
DPL is hiring a 20 hour per week Library Program Associate for the Smiley 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. 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.
In this position, you will create positive experiences for library customers by providing programming and outreach designed to educate and promote library usage to a wide variety of audiences. Provide superior trauma-informed customer service while demonstrating integrity and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and stewardship. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure high-quality customer service, programming, community engagement, and outreach. Plan, design, implement, and evaluate programs and events on a regular basis. Build and maintain community partnerships. Communicate effectively about issues and initiatives with customers, staff, and administration. Participate in relevant library committee work by leading meetings or contributing as a member. Foster a resilient and flexible team by demonstrating the link between contributions and the larger objectives of the library. Provide storytimes and early learning programming. Work closely with the branch librarian and provide backup and support for programming planned and hosted by the librarian when needed. Support other library functions as needed.
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.
- Second language proficiency preferred.
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered:
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field of study (one year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education).
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 may include weekend and evening hours.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
The City and County of Denver benefits package will be offered. Though 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.