Library Assistant (Part Time) (20535090)

This recruitment will be posted until August 28, 2024 at11:59pm, or until 250 applicants apply, whichever happens first. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Apply by August 28, 2024

THE POSITION:

The Library Assistant is responsible for delivering excellent customer service at the circulation desk.  This role involves assisting patrons in locating materials and resources, clearly communicating library policies and procedures, and providing information about library programs and services.

 

You are:

The ideal candidate will exhibit friendliness, proactivity, and enthusiasm, with a demonstrated ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse, multilingual, and multicultural community.  Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as is the capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.  A service-oriented approach is also crucial.

 

 

 

Essential Duties

What you will do: 
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Deliver excellent customer service to library users, such as: greeting library visitors at library entrances and providing them with basic directional and informational assistance; issuing library cards and collecting library fines and fees; assisting library users with their library accounts; helping library users access and utilize library materials, facilities, and self-service systems; locating books and other materials for library users and/or placing requests for library materials in the library's online catalog.
• Respond to general questions and inquiries from the public efficiently and professionally in person, by telephone, or online; and refer advanced requests or questions to the appropriate library staff or supervisor.
• Handle and sort returned books and other library materials; set aside damaged materials for mending or withdrawal; process incoming and outgoing materials efficiently and accurately, both physically and in the library's electronic systems.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and effectively with library users by telephone, in person, and/or online regarding their library accounts and other general customer service needs.
• Access the appropriate databases to search for and identify books and other materials through the inter-library loan system; process incoming materials for distribution to the requesting library user; respond to requests from other libraries for outgoing inter-library loans.
• Search library database records and verify entries and materials status.
• Assist with planning, set-up, and execution of library programs and events.
• Operate a cash register, make accurate change, prepare accurate receipts and money for deposit.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting on office machines (e.g., replenishing paper and toner, clearing paper jams).
• Assist library users with accessing the internet, utilizing library electronic resources, and other common computing tasks.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description: Library Assistant (Part Time)


CORE COMPETENCIES  

Knowledge of:  

• Customer service best practices and techniques.
• Modern office/clerical procedures, equipment, and technology.
• Mathematics, English usage and spelling at 12th grade proficiency or higher.

Ability to: 

• Demonstrate exemplary professionalism, patience, and tact when interacting with co-workers, volunteers and general public in a diverse, busy urban public library environment.
• Perform assigned tasks efficiently and accurately, paying attention to detail.
• Utilize typical office technology effectively (e.g., email, internet, database systems, productivity software including Word and Excel).
• Deliver consistent, excellent customer service to library users by telephone, in person, and online in a busy and diverse public library environment.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Adapt to rapid changes in the work environment (e.g., new procedures, changing technology, evolving customer needs).
• Work irregular shifts, including Saturdays and evenings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with people and organizations contacted in the course of work, including co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum Qualifications

You have: 
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Previous clerical and/or customer service experience is required. Prior experience working in a library setting is preferred. Bilingual English/Spanish language skills are highly desirable. 

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. 

License: Special assignments require possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver's License. 
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the following mental and/or physical abilities and work environment: working in an indoor environment including lifting boxes of books up to fifty (50) pounds in weight; frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting; reaching over head for shelving of materials; and pushing and pulling of book carts. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Alternative Work Schedule and/or Telecommuting 
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.

Application Review - 

A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire

The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list.  Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Job Related Testing (examination) -
 

Written Examination -Tentatively Scheduled for early September 2024

Supplemental Questionnaire Review - Tentatively Scheduled for mid/late September 2024

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.

Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.  Include specific or approximate dates here.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.  Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA  94541.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer