Bilingual Youth Librarian

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Youth & Family Engagement and in cooperation with the Branch Manager or location’s person in charge, provides Spanish and English language services to the community.

About the role

This is a full-time, exempt position located at the North-East Branch (6000 Wilson Avenue, KCMO, 64123).

Responsibilities

• Provides and promotes programming and services to meet the needs of children and the important adults in their lives, including:
  • Coordinating children’s events at the Branch
  • Maintaining a child-friendly and interactive space
  • Conducting school visits and representing the Library at Outreach events
• Works as a team with youth services associates at the Branch and serves as the leader in charge when branch leadership is unavailable.
• Meets regularly with the Assistant Director of Youth and Family Engagement to communicate concerns, share ideas, and solicit input.
• Collaborates with the assistant branch manager to assist with collection maintenance and marketing to branch patrons.
• Ensures a welcoming and functional environment for all patrons, including straightening displays, cleaning small messes, and reporting building or technology issues.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of system-wide programming for children and their families.
• Communicates effectively with branch staff regarding branch-specific and system-wide children’s programming.
• Attends all Youth & Family Engagement and branch staff meetings, relaying information between teams.
• Maintains a shared Microsoft Outlook calendar with YFE and branch staff.
• Connects with schools, childcare providers, and community organizations to promote library services.
• Maintains accurate statistics for programming and services, preparing reports on engagement and impact.
• Utilizes data to refine and develop services.
• Supervises temporary employees and volunteers.
• Performs other related work and undertakes special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to create a welcoming environment for children and their families and provide engaging library services.
• Outstanding customer service and engagement skills with a strong understanding of trauma-informed service.
• Ability to discover and share children’s literature and online resources.
• Understanding of children's and adolescent developmental stages.
• Excellence in story time planning and presentation, incorporating Every Child Ready to Read.
• Ability to assess community needs and partner with organizations serving children.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Capacity for responding to changing circumstances and expectations.
• Desire to stay current with trends in library youth services.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills, including technology used in libraries.
• Reliable transportation to access locations throughout the Library District.
• Ability to work with diverse populations (age, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.).
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (proficiency of Advanced Low per ACTFL guidelines, verified by a third party).

Additional consideration may be given to individuals proficient in other non-English languages utilized in the Kansas City area, including American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent combination of other Master's or Bachelor's degree and applicable work experience.
• Significant experience working with youth and the important adults in their lives.
• Understanding of child and adolescent development and a passion for excellent library services for youth.
• Knowledge of children's literature preferred.
• Experience planning activities for children preferred.

Work Environment

• Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in a public space serving a diverse socio-economic community.
• Travel to community partners and other Library locations may be required.
• May be assigned to work at other Library locations as needed.

Pay

$51,036 starting salary.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package included.

Schedule

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: 8:30 am - 5 pm
• Thursday: 11:30 am - 8 pm
• One Saturday a month is required.
• Occasional flexibility needed to cover special library and outreach events.