We’re Hiring! Library Associate (Multiple Locations)

Apply by October 18, 2024 to be considered for this position

5824 - Library Associate (Multiple Locations)
Salary:  $19.14 - $25.84 Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2024-01639
Salary Grade: 5

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• Position Description

  Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.       

  There are full-time and part-time, Library Associate non-exempt positions with the Pima County Public Library at multiple locations. Our team members are largely cross-trained and ready to work in any part of the Library when needed. When you work for the library, your work location assignment is based on the needs of the department. We hire our staff for the entire library system. Working evening and weekend shifts, as assigned, are required. Hours are assigned to best meet the needs of our community.

  To be successful in this role, the Library Associate must:

  • • • Have a passion for serving underserved and multi-cultural communities in Pima County of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status.
      • Have a willingness to be adaptable and responsive in a rapidly changing work environment (e.g., backup story time, job help, scheduling flexibility) and be able to work with frequent interruptions.
      • Be empathetic and compassionate to help create a positive, high-functioning workplace.
      • Have an interest in planning and presenting programs to children, teens, and adults.
      • Maintain emotional control under stress.
      • Have an understanding that their abilities can be developed.
      • Recognize that they are part of a team that works together.
      • Be technologically adept (especially Microsoft Office, digital downloads, apps, tablets, copiers, and PC troubleshooting skills) and embrace technological tools in service to our mission and priorities.
      • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

  The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community. We strive to offer outstanding library services. In providing customer service, you may encounter situations that require de-escalation or assistance from a supervisor or person in charge. How you handle these interactions is a critical component in helping lead to a successful resolution. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with potentially disruptive, physically disruptive, physically dangerous, or possibly abusive customers and emergencies is crucial.

  About the Department: The Pima County Public Library system has 27 libraries throughout Pima County, serving 980,000 residents. We reflect and serve a diverse community. We invite you to bring your unique experience to Pima County Public Library.
  Our Vision: Our Vision is an educated, connected community of readers, learners, doers, and dreamers.
  Our Mission: We transform lives by educating, inspiring, and connecting people.

  Our Values:

  • • • Education: We learn and teach every day.
      • Excellence: We exceed expectations.
      • Freedom: We defend the right to read and to know. We are free and open to all.
      • Diversity: We serve everyone. We find strength in celebrating our differences.
      • Innovation: We dream big. Anything is possible.
      • Community: We work with our community to improve lives.
      • Passion: We love what we do.

  For more information about the Pima County Public Library, please visit our website at https://www.library.pima.gov.

  Preference is given to current Pima County employees. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

  Equal Opportunity Employer / Americans with Disabilities Act Compliant / Drug-Free Workplace.  

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be evaluated further based on their supplemental questionnaire responses. Applications will also be evaluated against some (or all) of the preferred qualifications listed above. Forty (40) hours per week is the standard calculation measurement for full-time experience; For less than forty (40) hours, the calculation of time is prorated accordingly. Top-scoring candidates will be offered an interview (date/time – TBD) will be held in person at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library located in Tucson, Arizona. Only oral interviews will be offered and may include practical or work sample testing with a focus on an applicant's level of competency in a particular area. No phone or Skype interviews will be offered for our first round of interviews.  

  Duties/Responsibilities

  (Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

   

  Supervises the functions of assigned unit(s) including direct supervision of library staff in administrative support functions, customer service, and materials processing and distribution;

   

  Supervises, determines workload priorities, and executes appropriate performance management actions for subordinate unit employees; 

   

  Supervises, schedules, and trains volunteers;

   

  Manages payroll data for employees within assigned unit(s);

   

  Evaluates compliance with applicable federal, state, County, and related laws, rules, and regulations;

   

  Participates in system-wide in-person or virtual committee meetings focused on children’s services, youth services, or adult services and attend relevant continuing education trainings and workshops in order to incorporate current best practices in a particular service level;

   

  Provides customer service to diverse members of the public including vulnerable individuals and non-English speakers; 

   

  Performs work at a service desk in accordance with professional standards;

   

  Assists professional staff with collection maintenance and material selection by researching current holdings and bibliographic information and reviewing materials according to professional standards;

   

  Coordinates and participates in the provision of internal and external services such as accounting, payroll, information technology, scheduling, personnel issues, management information services, purchasing customer service, outreach, and library programming;

   

  Supervises circulation and/or page unit in creating schedules, preparing reports, maintaining records, managing supply and equipment inventories, processing inter-library loan requests, resolving invoice/receipt discrepancies, and processing money transactions and deposits;

   

  Creates and maintains databases using automated information systems to monitor and track information and compiles, edits, and summarizes data to produce reports;

   

  Manages social media accounts for the library and communicate updates to the public using these accounts;

   

  Coordinates unit activity with other departmental units or divisions and with other county departments or outside agencies;

   

  Prepares and presents evidence-based educational programs and outreach services that align with the department’s strategic directions and core values;

   

  Utilizes conflict management skills to de-escalate and address unexpected problems or potentially volatile situations and complete associated documentation;

   

  Assists County personnel and outside agencies with coordinating programs and projects and monitoring activities;

   

  Researches, compiles and analyzes data and prepares reports, recommendations, memoranda, letters, and various documents.

  KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

  Knowledge of:

  • • • principles and practices for providing customer service;
      • automated information systems used in a public library setting;
      • research and analysis methods, along with library reference resources;
      • public service best practices including culturally competent community-driven programming, public relations, and customer service, and conflict management complaint resolution;
      • local, county, state, federal and accreditation body rules, regulations, and standards appropriate to area of responsibility;
      • current technologies, including common software platforms and associated programs as well as digital devices and equipment used in public libraries;
      • the different needs of diverse communities and cultures served by the library;
      • ensures compliance with County protocols, policies and procedures relative to area of assignment.

  Skill in:

  • • • effective time management; to include scheduling, coordinating and facilitating;
      • communicating effectively, orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience;
      • supervising, and mentoring employees and volunteers using a strength based approach;
      • problem solving; decision making and conflict resolution;
      • compiling, interpreting, and utilizing data, reports, policies, procedures, correspondence, and manuals;
      • documentation of assigned activities, including the creation and maintenance of mandated records, reports, and presentations;
      • analyzing and evaluating information and processes and making recommendations;
      • researching and compiling information and writing reports;
      • use of automated information systems to develop and maintain databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs.

  Minimum Qualifications

   

  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. (Additional relevant work experience and/or education from an accredited college, university, or technical trade school may be substituted.)
  
  Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

  Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):   

  • • 1. Experience working with children.
      2. Experience working with teens.
      3. Supervisory and/or lead experience.
      4. Strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities.
      5. Interpersonal skills (empathy, diplomacy, collaboration).
      6. Working experience in customer service.
      7. Problem-solving (critical thinking, creativity).
      8. Excellent conflict resolution skills.
      9. Communication (verbal, written, nonverbal, and active listening).
      10. Experience working in a public library.
      11. Experience teaching and training others.
      12. Experience planning and presenting youth programs.
      13. Bilingual (English/Spanish – speak, read, and/or write).
      14. Experience communicating effectively in a language(s) other than English or Spanish.
      15. Experience with/knowledge of restorative practices/restorative circles.
      16. Experience with/knowledge of Pima County Public Library vision, mission, and values.

  Selection Procedure:
  Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/score against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.    

  Supplemental Information

  Licenses and Certificates: Some positions may require specialized certification or licensure relative to assignment at the time of appointment or prior to completion of an initial or promotional probation period. Some positions may require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or prior to completion of an initial or promotional probation period. Failure to obtain/maintain the required certifications/licenses shall be grounds for termination. 

  Special Notice Items: Some positions may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. Some positions may require bi-lingual abilities, in English and a second-language, as determined by the appointing authority.  The County requires pre-employment background checks.  Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history.  A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. 

  Physical/Sensory Requirements:  Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.  

  EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  Agency

  Pima County

  Address

  150 W. Congress - 4th Floor   

  Tucson, Arizona, 85701

  Phone

  520-724-8028

  Website

  http://www.pima.gov/hr, opens a new window