Bilingual Specialist (English/Spanish), Youth Services, Hughes Main Library

GREENVILLE COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, NO. 2022-070

Re-Opened: Friday, July 1, 2022

Posting Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Position: Bilingual Specialist (English/Spanish), Youth Services, Hughes Main Library  Pay: $43,797 per year, plus benefits

Status: Regular Full-time, Exempt Available: May 2022

Location: Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, South Carolina

Schedule: Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 8:30a-5:00p; and Fri. 9:30a-6:00p. Every 5-6 weeks, this position works one weekend day, either Saturday 8:30a-6:00p OR Sunday 1:30p-6:00p (When working a weekend day, the employee is off Friday before or another day during the week.) May also work a few weekend hours to participate in an outreach event.

FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Youth Services (YS) Manager, this position is responsible for providing quality collection development, programs for youth, reader’s advisory, reference and circulation services at assigned library and outreach locations. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.) 

Considerable knowledge of the functions of reference and readers’ advisory services, including general knowledge of the major fields of learning. Knowledge of Hispanic cultures and traditions. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, Greenville County’s Hispanic community, and library staff. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to provide adequate instruction and directions to subordinates. Strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills. Ability to organize and maintain complex filing systems. Knowledge of business arithmetic. Ability to work under frequently stressful conditions and meet required deadlines. Ability to recognize and correct errors. Ability to perform routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty. Ability to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring considerable detail. Good personal computing skills, including effective use of word processing and spreadsheet programs, various Internet browsers and email. Skilled in the operation and care of computer equipment and barcode equipment. Ability to learn on-line computer functions. Customer service oriented. Ability to communicate (in both English and Spanish) concepts, general information and task-oriented information in oral, written and electronic forms. Knowledge of youth developmental stages. Knowledge of children’s literature. Ability to plan and execute engaging, age appropriate programs for youth. Bilingual – Fluent English/Spanish required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Use of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement required. Valid S.C. driver’s license required.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university or a Master’s Degree of Education or related field is required, with an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field preferred. Must have two years’ experience working with children in a library or formal learning environment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the ability to:

• concentrate for long periods of time

• speak clearly and distinctly

• hear and/or comprehend verbal communication

• see and interpret all job-related materials

• operate library equipment as assigned

• lift and carry up to 40 pounds for a distance of 300 feet

• push book carts weighing over 100 pounds

• sit for long periods of time

• stand for long periods of time

• walk, bend and stoop

• reach, grasp and use hands to touch, handle or feel

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).

Assists Customers

• Provides readers’ advisory and reference services in English and/or Spanish to children, teens and adults serving children. (E)

• Guides customers of any age with the use of print and non-print resources, databases, and internet usage. (E)

Circulation

• Works the public service desk in the Children’s Area of the Main Library and/or branches as assigned/needed. (E)

• Uses the Library System’s integrated library system to process discharges, fill or clear holds, place or receive items in transit and maintain accurate status of items. Includes processing of system-generated reports. (E) 

Collection Development

• Maintains Spanish and bilingual (English/Spanish) materials for youth system-wide, including weeding. E)

• Reviews, evaluates, and selects new books in Spanish or English/Spanish bilingual and other youth materials from professional journals and/or online resources. (E)  

• Assesses library materials for mending, or repair needs or consideration for discard/replacement. (E)

• Checks arrangement of materials on shelves to assure they are in proper order. (E)

• Sorts and shelves library materials according to their established filing arrangement. (E)

• Assists in evaluation of youth materials that are subject to patron request for reconsideration or that otherwise require reevaluation. (E)

• Keeps abreast of popular titles and series. (E)

• Participates in YS and YS Collection Development meetings. Serves on other Library System committees as assigned. (E)

• Reads and is familiar with juvenile literature and reference tools to facilitate tasks. (E)

Duties

• Provides general circulation services, including registering new borrowers, updating patron records, placing holds, etc. (E)

• Provides assistance to Spanish speaking customers throughout the Library System (in-person and/or by phone, email, etc.) (E) 

• Acts as Team Leader, i.e. serves as the responsible party for the unit’s operation evenings, weekends, or as designated. (E) 

• Assists or acts as substitute for all Youth Services Programmers.

• Translates, proofs, and edits youth-related in-house produced materials as needed.

• Proofs information carefully and by the stated deadline.

• Assists in the development of booklists, brochures, pamphlets, web pages, and social media pertaining to youth services and programs as assigned. (E)

• Answers questions on Library System operations, policies and procedures, and handles problems and complaints. (E) 

• Instructs and demonstrates use of Library System equipment for the public as needed. (E)

• Prepares monthly reports, timesheets, statistical information, and other documents for administrative use. (E)

• Collaborates with members of other units on grants and programs. (E)

• Keeps abreast of developments in the field by reading current professional literature; attending local and state professional organizations’ meetings; and attending classes, workshops, seminars and programs dealing with child development, the Hispanic community, and/or youth services. (E)

• Creates library displays. (E)

• Submits to the YS Manager, in a timely, accurate manner programming/events to be featured in print, social media, and/or on the Library System website. (E)

• Communicates and equitably enforces Library System’s Code of Conduct and policies, procedures, and rules to customers. (E) 

• Performs tasks in accord with Library vision, mission and code of service. (E)

• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury. (E)

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Plans and Conducts Programs/Events

• Plans, develops, and presents youth programs, including specials (for example: Día, Day of the Dead, Hispanic Heritage Month) that meet the specific needs of assigned branches/audiences. (E) 

• Participates in digital programming. (E)

• Reviews, evaluates, and responds to program requests from outside sources or Library System staff in conjunction with the Youth Services Manager. (E)

• Represents the Library System in developing and maintaining partnerships and other collaborative relationships with community groups and cultural organizations that offer programs for youth and/or caregivers. (E)

• Learns, understands, and incorporates Palmetto Basics principles and STEAM activities as appropriate. (E)  

• Considers program appeal, viability, budget, and safety when planning programs/events. (E)

• Gathers supplies needed for programs/events and transports them to/from event locations. (E)

• Collaborates with YS and/or branch staff to develop, promote, and facilitate special programs. (E)

• Reserves, sets up, and breaks down program spaces as needed. (E)

• Conducts library tours. (E)

• Collects statistics for, assesses, and evaluates programs presented. (E)

Outreach

• Works with Youth Services Manager to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community groups and cultural organizations that offer programs for youth and/or caregivers. (E)

• Contacts youth-oriented agencies and offers to conduct bilingual programs for them. (E) 

• Promotes awareness and encourages usage of Library System resources and services to schools and other agencies. (E)

• Attends and presents information at regularly scheduled meetings and special events of local Hispanic-focused groups. (E)

• Promotes Library System use and services to caregivers and children. (E)

• Represents the library at childcare and parenting fairs, PTA programs, and other outside events. (E)