LIBRARY ASSOCIATE

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH PERIODIC SCREENIGS BEING CONDUCTED

JOB SUMMARY

This position is within Public Services of the District of Columbia Public Library system and serves as a Library Associate (aka “LA”). The position is responsible for paraprofessional functions that support the efficient operation and best use of the libraries by customers of all ages.

The District of Columbia Public Library is seeking motivated, customer service-oriented individuals who are passionate about serving a diverse public, including ethnic, cultural and gender diversity including customers who may be experiencing social and economic challenges. You will find the Library Associate position very rewarding if you love serving others through enriching and informative programs and services. Must embrace a spirit of teamwork that yields excellent customer experience for all District of Columbia residents and visitors.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICES

Chief T. Alston | Public Service Announcement

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct customer service to library customers and assistance in using the library and its resources.
• Assists library customers with routine technology use, such as printing, scanning, copying, emailing, formatting, downloading, and other basic computer tasks. Monitors status of systems and troubleshoots as needed.
• Assists librarians in preparation, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of programs and outreach as needed.
• Provides assistance to librarians in preparation, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of programs and outreach as needed.
• Assists in collection movement and maintenance by shelving, shelf reading, and merchandising, pulling from lists, processing incoming and outgoing materials, and checking materials in and out, as needed. Maintains familiarity with DCPL’s physical and electronic collections and resources.
• Assists in maintaining a welcoming and comfortable library environment.
• Performs routine clerical/administrative functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of 1 year of customer service experience.
• Experience using computers and other related technology, such as smart phones, tables, cloud-based software, mobile apps, etc., in the workplace.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and tact in the application of policies, procedures, rules, or regulations in difficult or sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Possess at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level of a CS 7 OR 2 years of specialized experience at a CS 6 (non-probationary). | Applicable to District employees’ candidates

Preferred

• Experience working in urban public libraries

LICENSURES AND CERTIFICATIONS

N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Work involves everyday risks or discomforts typically associated with libraries, offices, and meeting and training rooms, which are adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated.

DISTRICT REFERENCE CHECK

All applicants who are current or former District of Columbia Government employees will be subject to a background examination prior to the issuance of a conditional offer of employment. This review will include coordination with District agencies where the applicant is currently or was previously employed. The purpose of this examination is to verify the applicant’s employment standing and determine eligibility for rehire, reassignment, or promotion within the district government. Applicants found not to be in good standing may be deemed ineligible for further consideration.

By applying to this vacancy announcement, you hereby authorize the District of Columbia Public Library to conduct a background examination and reference check, including coordination with any District agencies where you are currently or was previously employed, to verify your employment standing and assess your eligibility for continued employment consideration.

GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

ENHANCED SUITABILITY SCREENING

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Type of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment

Tour of Duty/Schedule: This work will require availability outside of standard business hours and on weekends.

Reporting Location(s): Appointments will be assigned at one of our 26 branches across the DCPL system.

Division/Department: Public Services

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit.

Promotion Potential: None

Appointed Salary - The selected incumbent will be appointed at the appropriate salary rate of a CS 8.

Budgeted Salary - This position is budgeted for a minimum salary of $56,503 to a maximum salary of $63,711.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We appreciate every applicant’s interest. However, only those who meet the qualifications and are considered by the hiring committee or interview panel will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process. Meeting the qualifications and/or passing the screening does not warrant an interview automatically.

RESIDIENCY REQUIREMENT

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 950) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave, and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if the selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.