Library Assistant Jobs in Portland, CT (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vernon

Department: Library

Wage/Hours:  $28.45 - $32.98 40 hours/week (commensurate with experience)

General Statement of Duties:  A technical position responsible for overseeing all circulation activity, including scheduling and assigning job duties to other library staff in the areas of circulation; oversees maintenance of library computers and training of staff on new technology.  Assist library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. 

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of the Library Director.

Supervision Exercised: Supervises circulation staff; assists in evaluating staff and interviewing prospective applicants of the circulation department. 

Essential Job Functions:

Circulation/Public Services Duties:

- Plans, coordinates and supervises the activities of the circulation services; supervises and trains department personnel, in accordance with the library's policies and procedures.

- Establishes priorities, processes, procedures and workflow within department, makes suggestions for upgrades or changes.

- Provides direct service to patrons in person, via phone, email, social media.

-Participates in collection development and maintenance and collection of fines and fees collected on materials.

- Ensures overdue and reserve notices are prepared as needed, and patrons are contacted by phone or email.

- Plans and coordinates the implementation of displays, exhibits, etc. 

- Assists in short-term and long-range planning of library services. 

- Maintains circulation and patron statistics and prepares regular statistical reports.

- Oversees interlibrary loan and delivery to homebound patrons. 

Technology Duties: 

- Maintain and update library computers, software, fax machine, scanner and printers, and other items as needed.

 - Identify and correct printing, faxing, and computer problems. 

- Suggest improvements/enhancements to library's computer and electronic device. 

- Interface with Town IT Department as required to perform the above. 

- Train staff on software and hardware changes.

 - Provides technology assistance to patrons and delivers technology related programs. 

Other Job Function Duties: 

May work on special projects and/or perform other duties as required.

Regular and Punctual attendance necessary. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

May be called in to work at, or assist with, the Town's Emergency Operation Center. 

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear and perform repetitive tasks with hands, wrists and arms.  Employee will need to push and pull loaded book trucks weighing up to 200 pounds; bend down to floor and reach up to seven feet to retrieve and shelve books, often with the aid of a foot stool; lift and carry books weighing 20-30 pounds; get down on hands and knees to troubleshoot equipment and retrieve materials. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Must be able to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption, attend to tasks for 45-60 minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time and understand the theories behind several related concepts. 

May be exposed to dust, fluctuations of inside temperature & electro-magnetic radiation as a computer screen.  The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet, but periods of noise can occur. 

Minimum Qualifications: Ability to work effectively, independently, and cooperatively with colleagues, patrons, and the community at large. Broad knowledge of current public library principles, practices, and procedures. Strong knowledge of library organization, and circulation procedures Excellent customer service skills with the ability to provide service in a friendly, patient, courteous, and professional manner. Strong oral and written communication skills. Critical thinking skills with the ability to draw conclusions or approaches to problems to implement solutions; ability to supervise, train and evaluate staff; ability to delegate; ability to foster relationships and deal effectively with employees and the general public.  Ability to understand, interpret, and implement library policies, procedures and rules.  Ability to assess technology needs and assist the Director to roll-out of new technology. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate statistical reports in a clear and concise format.  Must be computer proficient with the ability to learn software programs specific to the job.  Self-motivated, creative, and flexible. Excellent professional judgement, courtesy, tact and flexibility. Exercises initiative, and independent judgment. Ability to work evenings and weekends.  A police background check will be required. 

Experience and Training: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with at least (3) years' experience in library circulation and customer service OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Education and/or experience must demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed. Some supervisory experience required.