Library Patron Specialist Part-Time (Library Security)

General Purpose

This position is responsible for providing a variety of patron behavior supports including the management of patron behavior and general safety in Library buildings and our Library grounds. They will build meaningful relationships with our patrons at our Libraries through active engagement, visibility and education. This position will help ensure our Libraries are welcoming and user friendly to all Burlington residents and visitors through the education and enforcement of our Library Ordinance. This includes writing trespasses and managing the trespass system. This position will also assist patrons in need of social services in coordination with the various social service agencies in Burlington, as well as the Burlington Police Department. This position will provide support for Safety & Security training and processes for the staff, and will partner with the Burlington Human Resources Department and with the Burlington Police Department when appropriate.

This position is 21 hours a week and includes one weekend day and one evening shift per week.

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Pay Grade 14: $27.00 Hourly
Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/week.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop relationships with Library patrons, as well as relevant community service providers to ensure all patrons are welcome and have a pleasant experience in our Libraries.
• Provide basic assistance and basic information to our patrons. Refer higher level inquiries to librarians and library staff.
• Assist with Safety and Security Trainings and processes for the staff. Training may include, but is not limited to: de-escalation, mental health first aid, active shooter, and basic first aid.
• Conduct routine inspections of the Library’s buildings and grounds. Enforces rules, policies and ordinances.
• Completes required paper work, including but not limited to: trespasses, trespass reports, non-incident reports, first report of accident reports, log of activities, patron specialist schedules, etc.
• Encourage and monitor adherence to Library ordinance.
• Work in-conjunction with other City Departments, as well as Burlington social service organizations to assist those in need of social services.
• Assist with appeal and restorative justice processes as needed.
• Responsible for documenting, monitoring and enforcing ordinances as needed. Use de-escalation practices to achieve compliance as much as possible.
• Responsible for documenting, monitoring all incidents, including those with a trespass issuance and those without.
• Use de-escalation practices to achieve compliance as much as possible.
• Operate Library’s Camera system as required.
• Assist with employee and public safety at all times during emergencies by implementing crowd control measures.
• Respond to inquiries regarding Library use, resolve conflicts that arise between users with competing agendas or needs, convey and enforce facility rules, etc.
• Successfully mitigate user issues that may arise through direct communication, de-escalation techniques and effective customer service methods.
• Participate and assist in coordinating City initiatives or events as required.
• Position may require the operation of City vehicles and/or personal vehicles in order to conduct City business.
• Assist with programming set-ups and break-downs as needed. Includes moving tables, chairs and miscellaneous library furniture.
• Assist with opening and closing of Libraries to ensure operability.
• Regularly meet with other City Departments and External Organizations to mutually work towards the goal of safe Library for our patrons.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Must be at least eighteen years old.
• At least eight hours of approved training in private security preferred.
• Meet a high standard as to character, integrity, and reputation and otherwise demonstrate fitness to practice, the assessment of which may be informed by the results of a criminal background check, verified employment history, and references from at least two professional peers.
• Experience in a role requiring similar skills such as Social Work, Criminal Justice, Security, or Customer Service preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required. A valid driver’s license shall be defined as a current state of residence-issued license to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Position also requires the ability to be covered under the City’s vehicle insurance policy prior to operation of any City vehicles or non-City vehicles for City business.
• Bachelor’s degree or similar degree preferred. Acceptable degrees and/or work experience include: Social Work, Criminal Justice, Security Guard Work, and Customer Service.
• Experience in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and public service is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours when the position requires to meet the changing demands of activity in the parks.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies. Ability to work varied shift times, including some late nights and holidays and weekends. Ability to act as an ambassador of Burlington to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all users in line with the Department’s goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing. Ability to provide professional and courteous customer service.
• Ability to manage ever-changing situations quickly and reasonably required.
• Must be first aid certified or have the ability to become so within a reasonable amount of time after being hired.
• Must be able to work outside in all types of weather.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.