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Jobs · OTHR · Ohio

Youth Engagement Specialist (40 hrs.) Shepard Branch

Columbus Metropolitan Library · Columbus, OH · 1 mo ago
On-siteOTHR$21.49–$28.89/hrFull-time

Location: Shepard Branch

Employment type: Full‑time, 40 hrs/week, Non‑Exempt

Pay

Starting Pay Range: $21.49 – $28.89 hourly (commensurate with experience). Internal candidates may receive adjustments per the Compensation and Salary Administration policy.

Schedule

  • Monday: 11 am – 8 pm
  • Tuesday‑Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
  • Alternating Friday/Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
  • One in five Sundays: 1 pm – 5 pm

About the Position

As a Youth Engagement Specialist, you will create positive and enriching experiences by engaging youth and their caregivers in conversation and activities and promoting literacy and reading. You will help develop and deliver quality programs and informal engagements aligned with the library’s Young Minds Strategy, designed to help youth establish the foundation for a successful life. The role may also include outreach to schools and other organizations serving youth and collection‑management activities.

The Young Minds Strategy focuses on three categories:

  • Ready for Kindergarten – building kindergarten‑readiness skills for ages 0‑5
  • Third Grade Reading – supports and promotes early literacy development for K‑3rd grade
  • High School Graduation – support and preparation for tweens and teens

Responsibilities

  • Provide high‑level customer service by engaging youth and families with library resources, activities, and programs.
  • Create a safe, welcoming environment that balances fun, engaging activities, and relationship building while supporting youth development and learning.
  • Plan, promote, and present programs and informal engagements for children of all ages both on‑site and off‑site.
  • Answer patron questions and provide assistance throughout the building.
  • Make referrals by locating appropriate sources of information using a variety of tools and resources.
  • Connect with schools and community organizations to promote Young Minds programs through presentations, events, and networking.
  • Diffuse youth confrontations, mediate, and reduce tensions.
  • Perform collection‑management activities for juvenile materials as directed.
  • Create displays and merchandise materials.
  • Direct volunteer activities, including orientation, training, and scheduling.
  • Maintain neat, orderly, and appealing children’s and teen areas.
  • Maintain personal skills and knowledge through library trainings, resource review, and professional‑development conversations with youth services staff.
  • Utilize computer applications and library equipment; stay current on system‑wide and location‑specific procedures, processes, policies, and operations.
  • Support library policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct; follow up with patrons as needed and alert security or management about suspicious behavior.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, such as serving on task forces or committees.
  • Assume responsibility for location operations in the absence of a manager.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 2‑3 years’ experience working with youth or community engagement required.
  • Experience delivering programs and services to diverse audiences preferred.
  • Interest and ability to serve and develop rapport with youth and their caregivers.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to operate library technology, including PC, email, and Microsoft Office.
  • Reliable transportation to report to job assignments and other locations as required.

Benefits

A robust benefits package that supports physical, mental, and financial well‑being, including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • Mental health resources and employee assistance programs.
  • Generous paid time off and leave options.
  • Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and additional investment & savings plans.
  • Voluntary and supplemental insurance plans.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment includes typical library and office settings, meeting and training rooms, and occasional moderate outdoor conditions. Employees must follow standard safety practices, avoid trips and falls, and observe fire and traffic regulations. The role may require occasional lifting or pushing of up to 50 lb and frequent lifting or pushing of up to 20 lb.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and employment practices.

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