Introduction
Join us in this dynamic role as a Library Aide and Bookmobile Driver, where you'll play a vital role in connecting communities with the enriching world of literature. As the driver of our City Bookmobile, a 24' vehicle brimming with books and programs, you'll crisscross New Haven, delivering knowledge to schools, elderly care facilities, public housing, and community events.
This paraprofessional position seamlessly blends clerical, materials processing, and technological support with standard library routines, ensuring seamless access to resources. Your journey will encompass diverse responsibilities, from orchestrating bookmobile visits to collaborating with local schools and community centers, all while maintaining a welcoming environment for every patron.
Be a driving force behind literacy and learning in New Haven, and join us in shaping a more inclusive, knowledgeable community.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
This assignment includes driving the City Bookmobile, a 24’ vehicle that delivers books and programs to schools, pre-schools, elderly and public housing, and community events throughout the city.
This is a paraprofessional position that involves clerical, materials processing, technology support and circulation tasks and other standard library routines such as shelving, registration, and orientation of patrons to collections and services. The primary assignment is focused on the services of the City Bookmobile, but may also include support work within library branches.
Schedule of work is 19 hours per week, will include weekends, at Ives, at library branches, and throughout the New Haven community.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operates the bookmobile to designated locations, ensuring timely and safe transportation of library materials.
- Assists patrons with bookmobile services, providing information about available resources and aiding in circulation transactions.
- Aids in organizing and participates in community outreach events, engaging with diverse populations and promoting library services and programs.
- Collaborates with library staff, local schools, community centers, and organizations to coordinate bookmobile visits and tailor services to meet specific community needs.
- May deliver materials among five NHFPL facilities.
- Answers general queries from the public; refers patrons to other staff and resources as required.
- Maintains a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere on the bookmobile, fostering a sense of belonging and accessibility for all community members.
- Assists patrons in accessing digital resources, e-books, and e-media on the bookmobile, ensuring equitable access to technology and information.
- Collects feedback and suggestions from community members regarding library services and resources, and relays this information to higher-level library staff for consideration in service planning and improvements.
- Works with Library staff and with local community leaders and stakeholders to identify and address unique informational needs and preferences of the served areas.
- Keeps accurate records of bookmobile activities, including attendance, circulation statistics, and community engagement metrics, contributing to the evaluation and assessment of the bookmobile program's impact on the community.
- Sorts and files cards, shelves books and other materials alphabetically and by classification.
- Charges and discharges library materials.
- Performs routine clerical duties, including data entry.
- Prepares print and non-print materials for circulation.
- Supports computer and technology services within the library system.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
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EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school; and at least one year experience in library and/or customer service work; including at least 6 months experience with clerical and technical responsibilities. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of routine office procedures, including data entry, record keeping, and basic clerical tasks.
- Knowledge of computer hardware and software; may troubleshoot minor technical issues.
- Knowledge of correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary.
- Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System; ability to file alphabetically and numerically.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions and to learn related clerical and library tasks within a reasonable time.
- Ability to assist patrons in accessing library resources and information.
- Ability to promote library services, and to foster literacy and learning opportunities for patrons of all ages.
- Commitment to community service as it relates to organizing and participating in a variety of library offerings.
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with library personnel and the diverse community served.
- Demonstrated ability to interact with the general public in a pleasant, professional, and culturally sensitive manner.
- English/Spanish bilingual highly desirable.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of and ability to maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to drive and operate the 24’ City Bookmobile.
- Familiarity with geography of New Haven, its roadways, thoroughfares, and landmarks including schools, parks, and community centers.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a General Fund, "Non Tested" position.
This part time position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent part time positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.
*Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.
Selection Plan
Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.
It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.
Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found
HERE.
Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.
We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.
Conclusion
To apply for this opportunity:
- Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
- You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
- MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
- Review or modify your application for that position
- Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
- Click "Send to City of New Haven"
- You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
- You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
- If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov
Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.