Office Support III

Library Paraprofessional

Starting Salary: $17.00 per hour

Distinguishing Features of Work:

This is a paraprofessional position in the library answering reference/directional questions, performing circulation duties and processing materials into the collection under the supervision of professional library staff. The employee performs duties that require knowledge of standard library routines as well as some professional library duties. Although much of the work may be performed independently in accordance with established routines and practices, all work is subject to review by a professional librarian. On occasion, the employee may be responsible for the operation of the agency in the absence of a full-time staff member.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):

• Assists patrons in the use of the library, providing standard reference information in person, by phone or e-mail.
• Works on reference (adult and/or youth) or circulation desk.
• Operates computers and related data entry devices, including keyboard, cash drawer, scanning device to charge and discharge circulating items and to register patrons for library cards.
• Responsible for personal cash drawer take and receive payments of cash and credit at service desk, prepare morning cash reports, make monetary changes for staff and department bank as needed.
• Identifies materials to be held for patrons and assists in keeping records of materials in circulation
• Assists with special programs or projects.
• Processes materials into and out of circulation.
• Prepares displays
• Other duties depending on agency assignment (ex: Processing agency requires copy cataloging experience)
• Periodic travel between main library and two branch libraries.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of standard library principles and procedures.
• Some knowledge of books and authors as well as movies as related to general patron interests.
• Skill in operation of library computers and automated systems.
• Ability to perform routine clerical and record keeping tasks.
• Ability to react to change productively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in a written format with all levels, including administration, staff, peers, subordinates and the public.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Able to demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to willingly follow directions
• Well organized, detail-oriented, and be able to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to take direction and adhere to established routines and schedules, including scheduled evening, Saturday and Sunday hours.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with other employees, library patrons and the general public.
• Ability to lift and transport objects weighing up to 40 pounds on occasion as needed in processing of material.
• Have reliable transportation to travel between main library and branch libraries.

Qualifications:

Experience and Training: Some combination of experience in customer service, libraries, or similar institutions. Graduation from an accredited college or university preferred. Experience with computer software in an office setting also desirable.

Post Offer Requirements: Satisfactory completion of background check (including sex offender registry if applicable) and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act but not those legalized under Michigan law.