Assistant supervisor youth services

Job Description

Under the direction the Supervisor of Youth Services, the Assistant Supervisor of Youth Services for Children assists in ensuring library users have a customer-focused borrowing experience with access to robust youth collections, services and technology, and a wide variety of programs. With a focus on children and families, the Assistant Supervisor of Youth Services for Children assists in the management of the Youth Services division, including personnel administration, patron services, collection development and outreach to the Newton community. This position also serves on the leadership team that works with the Administration to move the institution forward to meet the evolving needs of Newton’s current and future Library users.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Assists in supervising the staff and operations of the section including selection, training, and evaluation of staff librarians, para-professionals, pages, and library volunteers in performance of duties or activities. Assigns and schedules staff to provide direct patron service at service points, in programming, and for outreach. Recommends changes to meet service needs.
• Manages the development, coordination and execution of library public programming for Children including staff led events, outside speakers and performers. Oversees and schedules staff conducting such programs and promotes community awareness of Youth library services and programs.
• Assists in the development, selection, cataloging, management, and maintenance of the youth collections and their presentation to end-users. Reads, reviews and selects materials to be purchased for the collections and prepares necessary bibliographies and reading lists. Monitors budgets for specific assigned collection areas, manages spending on those collections and recommends adjustments.
• With the Youth Services Supervisor, works cooperatively with both public and private school librarians on joint projects. Keeps informed of school assignments and projects that affect the Library and the Youth section.
• Performs all work related to Youth Services functions, including work at all Youth Services service points. Assists patrons with the selection and location of Library materials. Instructs patrons in the use of library technology, databases and electronic resources.
• Oversees and participates in outreach visits to community-based groups serving children and their families. Acts as an advocate for children in the community.
• Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Secondary Elements

• Participates in Library staff and other meetings to provide input into Library planning and coordination of services.
• Through professional literature and/or workshops, keeps current on changing trends in reference services.
• Represents the Library in the community to organizations and groups involved with youth service.
• Acts as the duty officer in the absence of more senior staff.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Attends and participates in Department and other meetings and special events. 

 

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience : : Master’s Degree in Library Science and three to five years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with Children and families required.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: A broad knowledge of library functions, library databases and electronic resources, computers, audio-visual equipment, printers and other peripherals.

Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City. Ability to present to and engage Children and Teens. : 

Skill:. Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong technology troubleshooting skills.

A strong commitment to public service required. 

Physical requirements/work environment

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements 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.)

Work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is quiet to moderate at most times. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. 

Operates computers, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, telephone and standard office equipment.

Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, and vendors/service providers. 

Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion and professional office protocols. 

Work requires accuracy, consistent task execution, sound judgment and timely coordination.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Please note that the posted salary range is not necessarily the hiring range. The starting salary typically falls within the first few steps of the posted salary range. The starting salary is influenced by relevant qualifications, and where applicable, by collective bargaining agreement.

Company Description

THE CITY:

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT:

Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller was sworn in on January 1, 2018 after serving on the City Council. She ran on a platform of providing Newton’s children with a top-notch education in an inclusive environment where empty nesters, seniors, young families, and people of diverse incomes can live together in vibrant villages and neighborhoods. Mayor Fuller is committed to keeping Newton safe, improving the city’s infrastructure, addressing climate change, providing excellent and responsive city services, and fostering art, culture and community life. The first female Mayor of Newton, she is a tireless advocate for all the city’s residents and is committed to making sure the city is welcoming, inclusive and diverse. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing [email protected].

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees