Public Service Associate

CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Mission: The Charles County Public Library creates opportunities for the community to engage, discover, and learn.

Vision: We are a trusted Charles County anchor that enhances lives and supports our communities.

Why work at the Charles County Public Library?

Our staff say:

“I love working at CCPL because I work with a brilliant and creative staff, I am in a learning and engaging environment everyday, I love serving my community, and I am constantly exposed to new technology.”

“I enjoy coming to CCPL and being part of a passionate team that's willing to help the community in many ways. Libraries are constantly evolving, so the work is never stagnant and there is always something new and innovative that provides excitement.”

Plus: get personal leave, prorated holiday pay, access to supplemental insurance and retirement accounts, many opportunities for development and growth, and a robust employee appreciation program!

Apply now to join the CCPL team, and start uniting our communities “with information or services that they need to help them lead the best life that they can.”

Waldorf West Branch Schedule (40hrs every two weeks):

Job Summary: Performs a variety of duties under the direction of the Assistant Branch Manager; provides basic reference and readers advisory services; assists/instructs customers in the use of library equipment and computers; performs circulation tasks; assists Program Coordinator in planning and conducting a variety of programs and special events; makes suggestions for purchase of new materials; assists with overall maintenance of library collections, and performs routine administrative work as necessary.

Essential Functions:

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

1. Provides a consistently high level of service to others by assisting with requests, or locating appropriate resources for the request.

2. Provides reference and readers advisory assistance to customers in person, by phone, and online.

3. Plans and conducts or contributes to a variety of programs and special events.

4. Provides technology assistance (including downloadable media) and trouble-shooting for customers and staff.

5. Maintains confidentiality of customers and their personal information.

6. Performs circulation tasks including shelving, checkouts, issuing cards, renewals, and holds.

7. Makes recommendations and contributes to the development and maintenance of the collection.

8. Creates displays and makes suggestions for interactive learning, engagement, and development activities.

9. Monitors and maintains meeting room reservation system. Upholds policies detailed in the CCPL meeting room regulations.

10. May act as a liaison between the library and its partners. Ensures proper communication and collaboration with other departments to maintain successful partnerships.

11. Assists with processing of new and repair of pre-existing items in the branch.

12. May provide passport processing services.

13. Serves as Librarian-in-Charge when necessary.

14. Works with signage and digital signage.

15. May prepare flyers or other publicity across multiple digital platforms to promote library services and resources.

16. Organizes and maintains collections.

17. Shares knowledge gained in workshops, conferences, etc. with co-workers through presentations and/or training sessions.

18. Maintains records and statistics as required.

19. As Librarian (Grade 11), contributes to or leads special projects and initiatives as needed for the branch, departments, or system.

20. Works at different locations throughout the CCPL system as needed.

21. Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the Library's mission and goals.

22. Professionally represents the library at community and organizational events that further the Library's missions and goals.

23. Fulfills Continuing Education requirements and stays current with Library developments.

24. Performs other duties as assigned.

General Competencies:

Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:

1. Service to Others

2. Expertise (Knowledge, Skill, Educational and Experience Requirements)

3. Personal Leadership/Strategic Thinking

4. Accountability/Responsibility

5. Systems Thinking

6. Teamwork

7. Communication

8. Problem Solving and Innovation

9. Development of Self and Others

10. Affirming and Enabling Diversity and Inclusion

Job Specific Performance Standards:

Employees are expected to meet the following performance standards:

• Demonstrates excellent service to others by addressing requests in a professional and timely manner;

• Effectively provides Library services to external populations;

• Effectively plans, prepares, and presents quality programs;

• Exhibits strong knowledge of reference collection and online resources;

• Accurately performs readers advisory service;

• Provides accurate and timely information;

• Consistently approaches customers to provide service;

• Asks for assistance when needed;

• Successfully acts as LIC by following procedures and using appropriate discretion as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Charles County Public Library's policies and procedures.

2. Ability to act as a representative of Charles County Public Library to the public.

3. Effective communication and decision-making skills with strong customer focus.

4. Ability to master procedures related to the reference of Library materials.

5. As a Librarian (Grade 11), demonstrates advanced knowledge for specialized projects and assignments.

6. Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate.

7. Demonstrates sound judgment when making decisions.

8. Knowledge of research techniques and procedures.

9. Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information management.

10. Ability to train and supervise volunteers.

11. Ability to market Library services in the community.

12. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, eReaders, and office machines including the cash register and credit card machine.

13. Ability to work evenings, weekends and at other branches as needed.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

This and all Charles County Public Library positions are subject to transfer.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job

Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree; MLS or equivalent for Librarian (Grade 11).

2. One year of relevant customer service experience.

3. Library Associate Certificate (LATI) or equivalent must be acquired within two years of hire (Grades 9, 10) OR Professional Librarian Certification must be obtained within six months of eligibility, and maintained to comply with Maryland State Department of Education requirements (Grade 11).

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work requires routine physical effort in the handling of moderately heavy materials of up to 40 pounds. Work requires standing for long periods of time and some stooping and bending.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, classrooms or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations.

The Charles County Public Library extends equal opportunity to all qualified staff members and applicants for employment without respect to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, LGBTQ+ status, veteran status, sex, age, disability, or any other protected class under the law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting the human resources department by calling 301-934-9001, or via email hr@ccplonline.org.