Children's Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

General Statement of Duties

Under the general direction of the Children's Supervisor, the Children's Assistant performs library work involving helping patrons, decorating, assisting with programs and special projects, and other activities specific to the children's and young adult department of the library. Most training is on the job. The Children's Assistance duties are mostly routine once learned, although general knowledge and clear thinking are specifically required for program supervision. Constant supervision is not necessary for most tasks. However, when help is required, employees in this class consult the Children's Librarian. The Children's Assistant oversees part-time students when the Children's Librarian is not present.

Essential Functions

The Children's Assistant is responsible for the following duties:

• Maintain regular, reliable, and prompt attendance, physically present to work;

• Answers phone;

• Assist librarians by helping patrons in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference;

• Aiding patrons by locating library materials on the shelves;

• Answer routine reference inquiries, and refer patrons needing further assistance to librarians;

• Conducts story time by reading books to children;

• Prepares craft materials and supplies used in arts & craft programs;

• Assist the children's librarian with tours, recurring programs, and special activities;

• Prepares daily statistical reports;

• Records library statistics;

• Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons;

• Keeps library quiet; oversees part-time students on occasion; and

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and operate controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, crawling, handling, standing, pushing, and pulling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a non-exempt full-time position working 40 hours per week. Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends if needed. Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings may be required.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

• On the job training.

• Must possess a valid, Texas (Class C) driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

• Pre-employment drug screen and physical required.

Knowledge Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge- Knowledge of basic office clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessments, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Knowledge in the use of the following computer software: Microsoft products including Word, Excel, Publisher, and Power Point.

Skills

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Actively looking for ways to help patrons. Teaching others how to do something. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Must be able to operate a multi-line phone system including placing callers on hold and transferring calls. Must demonstrate and adhere to professional telephone answering skills.

Abilities

• The ability to read and understand the information and ideas presented in writing. The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. The ability to operate a copy machine, book charger, as well as audio-visual material if assigned. The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

AAP/EEO Statement

The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Pharr will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.