Job Description
The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.
The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Washington State Library connects people to the power of libraries. As Washington's oldest cultural institution, the library's unique and rare collections date back to territorial days. Resources include historical print and digital compilations, collections of state newspapers and maps, state and federal government publications, and the Ask-a-Librarian service.
The library benefits local libraries and their patrons through its consulting services, grants, subsidies, training, and programming. Additionally, the Washington State Library provides services to state prison and state hospital libraries. OSOS also operates the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle, a library for people unable to read standard print.
We currently have one opening with the Branch Services of the Washington State Library at Eastern State Hospital located in Medical Lake, Washington. This position is responsible for the delivery of library and information services to patients of Eastern State Hospital (ESH) performing complex technical library duties and problem solving related to collection development, reference/information delivery, and automated circulation systems.
Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.
DutiesThis position provides library and information services to patients by performing complex technical library duties and problem solving related to collection development, reference/information delivery, and automated circulation systems.
Maintains day-to-day library services and operations
- Performs duties such as serials, audiovisual services, materials processing, outreach, and other ongoing library services
- Organizes, implements, and maintains all phases of interlibrary loan process
- Manages automated circulation system, registering new patrons, creating holding records, entering bibliographic information, preparing and customizing reports, database clean-up and inventory
- Establishes guidelines for appropriate behavior of library customers
- Enforces hospital and library rules
- Orders and maintains library and office supplies
- Compiles periodic statistical and narrative reports
- Plans, monitors, and evaluates service delivery
- Selects material to fill information requests and assists customers with bibliographic tools
Performs collection management duties
- Selects formats of library materials to meet the full range of library/information needs of the patient library customers
- Confers with institution staff and contract staff (educators, nurses, etc) regarding their clients' information needs and keeps them informed when the library is able to meet those needs
- Uses Amazon to create book carts
- Assesses, evaluates, and maintains collections through periodic weeding and inventory
Participates in branch library program and assists other branches
- Provides coverage for other branch libraries
- Acts as a resource for troubleshooting and/or problem solving for ongoing or special projects
- Provides technical support or subject expertise to accomplish program goals
- Works with colleagues on projects for other branches, such as planning, implementing, and evaluating major changes
- May assist other staff with reference, interlibrary loan or other tasks to ease workloads
- Attends office sponsored training activities and events
Performs bibliographic and information searches and answers reference questions
- Selects material to fill information requests and assists patients with bibliographic tools
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Within the past 10 years, 5 years of experience in a library providing adult/young adult public services, including 2 years beyond the entry level
- Current Washington driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation
- Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position
PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing adult/young adult reference and reader's advisory services
- Collection management experience, including selection, weeding, and record maintenance
- Within the past 10 years, one year of lead or supervisory experience including the responsibility to hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff
Supplemental InformationSPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- If in a Department of Corrections institution, successful completion of DOC CORE training must be completed within the first 9 months of employment
- Willingness and ability to work within the constraints of institutions and work effectively with customers (inmates or psychiatric patients)
- Must pass a criminal history background check
- Standard core business hours of Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
- Ability and willingness to travel and stay overnight; Duties of this position require periodic overnight travel throughout Washington State and occasional nationwide travel; Variation in working hours is anticipated during travel
- Customers are mentally ill patients in a psychiatric hospital
HR Info
Resume and cover letter required