on social service agencies and issues disproportionately affecting vulnerable ... of the community to create and empower
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LIBRARIAN Pay Grade: 8 (Full-time Exempt) Under the supervision of Community Engagement Manager, cultivates and maintains effective partnerships with community organizations and relationships with Skokie residents, with an emphasis on social service agencies and issues disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Plans, coordinates, and delivers programs and services of interest to older adults. Listens to, learns from, and connects with members of the community to create and empower responsive solutions that address Skokie’s aspirations and needs. Promotes and delivers library services both at public service points within the library and in the community. Minimum Qualifications: (education, experience, and certifications) • • • • •
MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school OR relevant experience and study Experience in building and managing community partnerships Experience in networking, facilitating groups, and public speaking Demonstrated track record of cultural effectiveness working in a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse urban/suburban community or environment Current valid driver’s license, driving record in good standing, proof of insurance, and own vehicle; employee required to park in designated area
Minimum Competencies: (knowledge, skills, and abilities) • • • • •
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Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with community stakeholders Excellent communication and social skills Broad cultural competency knowledge, skills, and ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse workforce and community Demonstrated commitment to the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion Ability to manage situations of uncertainty and differing agendas in a positive manner, with professional judgment, creativity, and patience; seeks to understand by listening to others’ perspectives Ability to collaborate with staff at all levels and work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to collect and utilize data to drive decision making Ability to anticipate and creatively solve problems with a flexible mindset Ability to work independently and balance multiple initiatives while meeting deadlines Deep personal dedication to public service; ability to thrive in a working environment with constant public contact with people of all backgrounds Ability to positively adjust to change
Preferred Qualifications: • • • •
Two years experience in public libraries, social service agency, and/or community-based organization Experience working in or with public libraries Knowledge of Skokie community social service agencies Experience with outreach to vulnerable and/or marginalized populations
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Experience working with volunteers
Preferred Competencies: • • • •
Program/event development Project management skills Organizational skills with attention to detail Bilingual skills in English plus another language relevant to the Skokie community
Essential Functions: •
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Engages with community residents and organizations in order to deepen library understanding of community aspirations and needs, with a particular emphasis on social service agencies and issues disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations Builds strong partnerships internally and externally to develop and implement innovative programs, services, and other initiatives which are responsive to identified community aspirations and issues Acts as a connector, sharing information and resources with colleagues across the library as well as community partners; fosters connections among people and organizations based on their common goals, needs, and interests Plans, coordinates, and delivers programs and services of interest to older adults Screens, trains, and manages volunteers for homebound services, and others as necessary Assists patrons at information desk, readers’/AV services desk(s), and call center Encourages civic engagement and supports local leadership development Professionally represents Skokie Public Library at key community events and meetings, which may include evenings and weekends Aligns community engagement efforts with the library’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives Promotes, demonstrates, and provides library services inside and outside the library building. Builds knowledge about community resources available to the public Maintains current knowledge of library and other relevant fields (e.g. social work, aging, civic engagement) Regular and punctual attendance
Other Functions: • • •
May serve on library committees Participates in professional networking groups, attends relevant workshops and may present at conferences Performs other related duties as assigned
Physical/Mental Demands and Environmental Conditions: Reasonable accommodations to these requirements will be made as needed •
Ability to perform office-related functions including extended concentration on a computer and typing capability
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Work may include prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, bending, lifting/moving materials, getting down on the floor. Manual dexterity, clear speech, hearing acuity, and correctable vision needed Noise level is generally moderate Schedule: May require availability during any library operating hours, including days, evenings, weekends, and occasionally when the library is closed. Although a weekly schedule is established, the needs of the library may require scheduling changes and flexibility.
Direct reports may include: • •
Volunteers Interns
