Library Outreach Associate

Salary: $16.38 Hourly
Location : Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 03940
Department: LIBRARY
Opening Date: 04/30/2025
Closing Date: 5/14/:59 PM Eastern

Description

Under general supervision, the Outreach Associate is responsible for supporting the operation of outreach and mobile services. Work involves the operation of a City vehicle, assisting with, leading and delivering outreach and mobile services, and performing customer service functions within and outside of the library locations. Employee must exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the general public. Reports to the Senior Librarian in Community Engagement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Essential Job Functions

• Assists with the operations of outreach and mobile services and community partner collaborations for the library as a member of the Community Engagement department.
• Drives the Library2Go (bookmobile), as well as a passenger van to get to outreach locations.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills when interacting with community members and serving their needs.
• Maintains accurate records and reports concerning partner activities and mobile services.
• Maintains accurate records and reports concerning mileage, state inspection, fuel consumption, and general condition of vehicle.
• Exercises initiative and independent judgment in handling unusual events or circumstances.
• Conduct reference interviews and research, which requires a broad knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources, to determine the most complete and efficient method or source in order to satisfy the information needs of customers; develop appropriate search strategies to respond to ambiguous and/or complex search requests; may respond to system-wide requests for assistance with difficult reference questions to satisfy the customer's information needs; and demonstrate an awareness of materials, current events, trends and popular authors to respond to the information needs of customers.
• Respond to complex and/or recurring information requests by creating and maintaining supplementary information files such as bibliographies and ready reference files to have the information readily available.
• Instruct users in the use of the library catalog, electronic resources, print and non-print materials and library equipment to enable them to use the library resources independently; and interpret, explain and apply library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.
• Instruct and assists users with the public computers and other library technology and equipment.
• Process requests and provide information to customers about their circulation records and materials request to meet borrowing needs; search and update circulation system; and check materials in and out and register customers to maintain an accurate database.
• Refer customers to and/or directly contact, community, state and national agencies and organizations, if required, to satisfy the information needs of customers.
• Provide training to staff and volunteers to orient them to their tasks and responsibilities.
• Plans guidelines for tasks, organizes projects and performs duties in circulation, reference and public services.
• Develops and maintains the collection, processes items for rotation between facilities; reassigns, rotates, and shelves items; suggests purchases for the branch and system.
• Secures the facility, including making sure the building is clear of patrons, equipment is turned off and alarm is activated.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Qualifications

A combination of higher education and/or experience equivalent to 5 years, 1 of which must have been in a library setting or closely related customer service field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of library routine and procedures.
• Knowledge of library bookmobile routines and procedures.
• Knowledge of library techniques, systems, and working manuals associated with bookmobile programs.
• Knowledge of OPAC, the library's filing system and various types of informational materials in the library.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and/or accounting/clerical practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the reading levels and interests of City residents served by the bookmobile.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City.
• Knowledge of literature for juveniles, young adults and adult patrons.
• Skilled in data entry, typing and operating general office equipment.
• Ability to use standard library methods and principles in bibliography, circulation and reference services.
• Ability to use a variety of office machines. Is able to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring some detail.
• Ability to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials.
• Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain statistical records and prepare clear reports from them.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with library patrons and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Knowledge of books, magazines, and related materials available to the public.
• Ability to follow established procedures and perform work requiring some detail.
• Ability to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials.
• Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with City employees, City officials, professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors.
• Ability to read a variety of informational and legal documents, City and state codes, law books, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, memorandum, opinions, contracts, notices, petitions, etc. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence, and to articulate information to others.
• Ability to plan work and develop procedures; to learn and/or evaluate complex information in order to make judgments and decisions.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal and municipal terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with (persons acting under stress) (emergency situations).

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)
Sick Leave . click apply for full job details