YOUTH SERVICES SUPERVISOR

Youth Services Supervisor Responsible for the development, planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating of activities, operations, and expenditures within the Youth Services Department. Responsible for conveying and carrying out the Mission and Vision Statements, Objectives and Goalsof the Library's Strategic Plan. Responsible for the supervision and evaluation of department staff and department programs relating to Youth Services and operations. Responsible for a portion of collection development and budget allocation within the overall Library materials and program budget. Related work as required. The Youth Services Supervisor may substitute at Adult Services. The Youth Services Supervisor may be appointed by the Director to supervise the operation of the Library in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director. Oversees, supervises and evaluates staff within the Youth Services Department. Trains all personnel within the department. Responsible for the instruction of staff in new departmental procedures, programs or promotional campaigns, and new automated procedures. The YSS provides the first line of Administrative involvement at the Youth Services Desk. YSS is expected to attempt to resolve all conflicts which may arise and coordinate with Assistant Director and Director as necessary. Provides information and assistance to patrons; answers reference and research questions in a timely and accurate manner. Responsible for planning, organizing and delivering youth and family reference, referral and reader advisory services. Provides excellent customer service. Is responsible for developing, administering and reviewing policies and procedures pertinent to the Youth Services Department. Under the guidance of the Administration, develops annual goals and objectives for the department personnel. Reports quarterly to the Administration on fulfillment of department objectives. Manages and delegates appropriately for collection development of all circulating and non-circulating resources within the Youth Services department. Is responsible for maintaining efficient and accurate cost, circulation, material, and user statistics, as well as the judicious expenditure of departmental budget. Creates content, publicity, and promotions related to youth programs, services, collections and events. Prepares these for staff communication, flyers, handouts, social media outlets, and forwards same to the marketing coordinator. Collaborates with Library website coordinators to update and maintain Youth Room webpages as needed to reflect departmental offerings. In cooperation with the Youth Services Librarian, is responsible for all aspects and implementation of youth and family programming; in-person, virtual, outreach, or as a visiting guest. Duties include: performer selection, contract negotiation, expense submittal, publicity generation, and hosting. Oversees planning, development, promotion, and presentation of in-house programming, including storytimes, crafts, and age-appropriate offerings for ages up to 12 years and their caregivers. In cooperation with the Youth Services Librarian, is responsible for creating, implementing, and running of school vacation week and Summer Reading Programs, including marketing materials and incentives, as well as school visits. Develops cooperative multigenerational programs with all other departments for appropriate user groups and Library-wide programs. Collaborates with community and educational organizations to promote, attend, and participate in youth literacy and outreach programs. Some availability outside regularly scheduled hours should be anticipated. Handles initial service response to concerns and complaints. Conveys and maintains library policies. Deescalates where possible. Refers others to Administration. Maintains professional and technological development via professional literature, networking, webinars, virtual/in person meetings and trainings. Utilizes automated systems, new technologies, electronic equipment and on-line resources in the performance of duties and trains other library personnel and patrons in automated procedures. Conducts formal patron instruction in use of all library technology, mobile devices, electronic resources, databases, online catalog, and email. Attends in-house Staff and Department Head meetings and trainings, as well as municipal and regional meetings and workshops. Develops and conducts staff meetings for their own department. Seeks and writes grants to expand Youth Services. Participates in fundraising opportunities provided by the Friends of the West Springfield Public Library. Acts as Supervisor on Duty for the Library during scheduled routine evening and weekend coverage, or as needed. This may include conflict resolution, de-escalation, and emergency response throughout the Library. Communication and documentation will be required in these situations. Education and Experience: A master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution with relevant Youth Services course work and a minimum of three (3) years public library service, including significant supervisory experience. Demonstrated knowledge of computer systems, applications, and peripherals for libraries, as well as online searching skills and the ability to implement this knowledge and skill as appropriate. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Understanding of mobile devices and WiFi networks. Demonstrated patience and skill in dealing with the general public. Special Requirements: Certification in Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Required Knowledge, Abilities, Experience, and Skills: Proficiency in the use of automated library systems and in the use of electronic library information resources, including database searching, e-resources and the internet. Thorough knowledge and understanding of social media platforms. Strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of children and their families from birth to age twelve. Considerable knowledge of age appropriate materials, both current and classic. Established experience in storytelling and storytelling techniques. Superior ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate fluently and speak before groups; compute statistics and interpret graphs; troubleshoot technology; set priorities and work with frequent interruptions; train staff and public.