• Job Description

  Req#: 5160176

  Title: Spanish Language Specialist - Public Library

  Location: South Branch Library

  Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (KCKPL) serves Wyandotte County, a community in Northeastern Kansas with a population of around 170,000, with five library branches and three mobile libraries. KCKPL was formed in 1893 and came under the authority of the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District Board of Education in 1899, where it remains today. The mission of Kansas City, Kansas Public Library is to connect members of a dynamic community with information, tools, resources, and welcoming spaces to enrich lives in Wyandotte County.

  Job Goal: The Spanish Language Specialist provides leadership in serving Spanish-speaking patrons by developing and maintaining the Spanish Language Collection, creating culturally relevant programming, and building meaningful connections with the Spanish-speaking community. This role ensures high-quality public service by acting as a liaison between the library and Spanish-speaking users, both in-house and through outreach. Through collaboration with staff across the system, the specialist enhances equitable access to resources and strengthens the library’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement.

  Essential Functions

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Spanish-speaking patrons at the library and support systemwide as needed.

  • Provide assistance at public service desks, including reader’s advisory, reference support, and technology help in both English and Spanish.

  • Develop and implement programs and services for Spanish-speaking adults and families that reflect the needs and interests of the community.

  • Evaluate and maintain the Spanish Language Collection, including selection, weeding, and displays.

  • Collaborate with other branches and departments to expand services and resources for Spanish-speaking users across the library system.

  • Act as a liaison to local Spanish-speaking communities and organizations, building strong partnerships and outreach opportunities.

  • Create written instructions, promotional materials, and online content for Spanish-language services and programs.

  • Design and curate library displays that promote Spanish-language materials and highlight community interests.

  • Explore opportunities to improve access, inclusion, and engagement through strategic outreach and ongoing needs assessment.

  • Provide support and guidance to library staff regarding Spanish-language materials, services, and patron assistance.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivelent mix of education and experience required.

  • Fluent in both spoken and written English and Spanish.

  • Experience working in customer service, libraries, education, or related fields.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.

  • Solid understanding of library principles, services, and the library’s mission.

  • Proficient with basic computer software including email, word processing, internet, and databases.

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

  • Reliable transportation for outreach responsibilities.

  • Must pass a background check according to library standards.

  Physical Demands:

  This position requires the ability to stand, kneel, walk, stoop, and lift up to 35 pounds. Duties may include setting up for programs, creating displays, and assisting with outreach events. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  Work Environment:

  Work is performed primarily indoors in a public library setting, with some travel to offsite locations. The noise level is generally low to moderate but may increase during programming. The work environment may contain dust, mildew, and fluorescent lighting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  Benefits:

  KCKPL offers attractive benefits and optional purchase plan benefits; health insurance plans for employee and elective family coverages pursuant to KCKPS Board Policy, GARH – Absences, Leave and Vacation; optional dental and vision plans for employee and family; group term life; salary protection; tax deferred annuities; flexible spending account and retirement plan through (KPERS) Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

• About the company

  Kansas City USD 500, also known as Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, is a public unified school district headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, United States.

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