Library Assistant II - Substitute

YVL is excited to announce an excellent opportunity for an on-call Library Assistant II – Substitute. Substitutes play a vital role in supporting our team. Although this position will primarily work at the following library locations: Wapato, Toppenish, Buena, and Zillah all substitutes may occasionally be assigned to any YVL location, including Mobile Services and selected Service Center departments.

This is an on-call role, with hours scheduled as needed to provide coverage when regular staff are out on leave. This position performs a variety of paraprofessional support services throughout Yakima Valley Libraries when regularly scheduled employees are unable to fulfill their shift. Services and support provided include circulation, reference, reader's advisory, and interlibrary loan. No library experience is needed as selected candidate will be trained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Intellectual Freedom: The position supports the concept of Intellectual Freedom, ensuring library users can seek and receive information without scrutiny or examination by others.
• Customer Service: Welcomes and serves patrons using high-quality customer service practices, ensuring inclusivity and respect for all.
• Circulation and Patron Assistance: Assists patrons with checking in/out library materials, issuing library cards, resolving account issues, and taking payments for lost/damaged materials.
• Cash Handling and Reconciliation: Receives payments, provides receipts, balances cash amounts, and processes cash records according to established procedures.
• Reference and Reader's Advisory Services: Provides public service information, reference, and reader's advisory services, referring questions to other library resources when needed.
• Library Resource Assistance: Assists patrons in using library catalogs, databases, and the Internet, and explains library policies and procedures.
• Public Access Equipment Assistance: Assists patrons with public computers, photocopiers, microfilm readers, and self-checkout machines.
• Collection Weeding and Maintenance: Weeds materials for condition and works closely with the collection development librarian to replace items in assigned collection areas.
• Program Presentation: Presents programs for children, young adults, and adults, including storytimes and STEM/STEAM programming.
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Support: Performs interlibrary loan functions, checks in/out borrowed materials, and resolves ILL issues.
• Staff Training and Public Instruction: Presents training on the use of library materials and resources to staff and patrons.
• Library Services Promotion: Assists in promoting library services and materials to the public through publicity and merchandising efforts.
• Opening and Closing Procedures: Performs library opening and closing duties as needed.
• Report Preparation: Prepares statistical and other reports as required, and may assist in preparing work schedules.
• Committee Participation: Attends meetings and participates in various committees as assigned.
• Performs additional duties as required.

Bargaining Unit: No

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• One year of related, detail-oriented work experience
• Washington driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

• Library Operations Knowledge: Understanding of basic library work principles and public services.
• Customer Service Skills: Ability to provide excellent customer service to a diverse population.
• Technology Proficiency: Knowledge of PC usage, word processing, spreadsheets, and library-related software.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and remain focused despite interruptions.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with patrons and staff.
• Collection Maintenance: Ability to analyze collection needs, select, and maintain collections in assigned areas.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve issues with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with staff and maintain a pleasant working atmosphere.
• Attendance and Dependability: Consistently attend work and perform duties reliably.

Compensation and Benefits

• The pay for this position spans from $19.14 - $25.12 hour, but most begin on Step 1 pending qualifications.
• Yakima Valley Libraries offers many benefits. Please visit our site for more information: https://www.yvl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/benefits/