Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$20.00 - $23.23 Hourly

Department:

Library Department

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 12, 2024

The Opportunity:

Overview

At Multnomah County Library, we believe in creating spaces where everyone in the community feels welcomed. Our neighborhood locations offer space for people to learn, to create, to have fun and to simply come together as friends and neighbors. We know that it takes a diverse staff to create such spaces and that's why we strive to hire staff who reflect the communities we serve.

Our staff bring different values, lived experiences, perspectives and backgrounds to the library. It's those differences which help us create an environment where everyone is welcomed. That's why we'd like to invite you to bring your unique perspective and experience to our team! We're currently hiring Access Services Assistants with extensive lived or professional experience working with the Black community to fill openings across the library system.

As an Access Services Assistant with Black cultural competency, you will provide library services to both patrons and staff with a specific focus on assisting patrons from the Black community. Your duties will range from materials movement to performing library support duties to assisting with circulation and account management, however, your main focus will be materials management.

Some of your daily duties may include:

• Providing account management assistance, including clearly explaining policies and procedures to patrons.

• Assist patrons with balances due, including accepting payment, providing positive options, and negotiating and waiving charges when appropriate.

• Use standard computer technology effectively and continually seek to learn and incorporate new technologies and best practices into work assignments.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and teach internal and external customers how to use equipment such as computers, copiers, print management, internet management, check-out stations, credit card payment machines and cash registers.

• Prepare meeting rooms or other designated areas for programs.

• Open and/or close a library location, including turning equipment on or off, ensuring the location is organized and safe for operations.

• Quickly and accurately receive, process, sort, and shelve materials, as well as maintain shelf order by shelf reading or shifting the collection as needed or assigned.

• Empty book drops, check in materials, and assist our diverse patron population by locating holds and missing items.

• Frequently lift and move items such as crates, stacks of books, tables and chairs.

• Set-up computer and audiovisual equipment for programs and meetings.

• Standing for extended periods of time, kneeling, reaching, bending, and constantly grasping and lifting materials from 15 - 50 pounds.

• Bridging the gaps due to cultural differences with the Black community.

The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. As an Access Services Assistant, you should possess the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. In providing customer service, you may encounter situations that require de-escalation or assistance from a supervisor or person-in-charge. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with potentially disruptive, physically dangerous or abusive customers and emergencies is crucial.

Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team , all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:

• Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization

• Speaking out against racism and oppression

• Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive

Learn more about the library's services on our website .

To Qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• High school diploma or the equivalent

• One year of customer service experience involving direct public contact

• Knowledge of and experience working with the Black community. This experience is demonstrated by knowledge of the traditions, values, and customs of the community being served as well as the ability to identify specific examples of experience working with and building trust directly with individuals and families who identify with the Black community.

• Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Understanding of the impact of systemic oppression and its potential impact on Black patrons seeking library services.

• Understanding of the impact of exclusion for members of the Black community and how that may influence the way they navigate our library system.

• Additional specialized clerical training is desirable.

Screening and Evaluation

The Application Packet:

• A completed online application.

• A cover letter that briefly summarizes your experience working with the Black community.

• A completed preferences form

If any of these components are not included with your application, it will be considered as an incomplete application and you will not continue in the recruitment process.

Please only apply once for this opportunity. The eligible for hire list created from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future part-­time, full­-time and on-­call positions throughout the library system in the Access Services Assistant classification.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page . We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications

• Consideration of eligible candidates

• Interview

• Reference and criminal records checks

The eligible for hire list created from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future part-time, full-time and on-call positions throughout the library system in the Access Services Assistant classification.

Additional Details

Work Location: This position works onsite at one of our library locations.

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters

Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Claudia Sarinana

Email:

claudias@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (503) 9883446 x83446

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:

7212 - Library Access Services Assistant