Looking for Black Cultural Competency Library Assistants in Portland, OR

Job title: Black Cultural Competency Library Assistants

Company: Multnomah County

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



Pay Range: $25.25 - $30.92 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): September 17, 2023



The Opportunity:



It?s about building relationships.



At Multnomah County Library, we invest in specialized, culturally relevant expertise and support to build active, trusting relationships with learners of all ages, from birth through adulthood. That's not just lip service; it?s one of the values that lies at the heart of all we do. To build those relationships, we invest the time and the resources needed to hire staff who connect with our diverse patrons through shared knowledge and lived experiences.



Would you like to join us?



We're looking for experienced customer service professionals who have a passion for serving and connecting with the Black community. We have multiple positions available throughout the library system. Many of these positions are 20 or 30 hours per week.



As a Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant, you will support your library location by assisting all patrons, but especially our Black patrons, find information and resources they seek. You will respond to information requests and circulation questions that are in person, over the phone, via chat, social media, or other virtual media in order to answer questions, locate information, and train the public in using the library's resources. This may include connecting patrons to services such as social services, tutoring assistance, citizenship classes, or other resources. This may also include helping patrons access



electronic/digital resources and supporting patrons in using databases and online services.



Drawing upon your lived experience and knowledge of the Black community, you will conduct customer service conversations and actively build relationships with patrons. You?ll use your subject matter expertise to address more complex and deeper questions. You will provide readers? advisory services and sign up patrons for events and library accounts.



You will also help support a safe and welcoming branch environment. You will assist patrons in successfully using the library by helping them understand library rules and sharing community resources. You will answer information questions about library rules, have initial conversations about low level issues, and refer patrons to the Person-in-Charge (PIC) as needed. You are eligible to serve as PIC at the location.



This position requires someone with 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.



As a Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant, you will collaborate with systemwide teams, regional and location teams to plan, deliver & evaluate programming for a variety of communities and cultural groups of all ages. You will provide location support for systemwide programming such as Summer Reading or Everybody Reads and you may prepare and present storytimes and/or facilitate programs and services such as Read to the Dogs, teen and Tween Councils. You will build and maintain professional relationships with patrons, neighborhood organizations, and the greater population served by the Library, in library and community settings and represent the library at off-site events.



Learn more about the library's services by visiting our .



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:

• Two years of experience providing customer service, performing outreach, and/or directly connecting with the Black community. Experience may come from paid or volunteer roles.


• An associate's degree, or the equivalent experience.


• Knowledge of and experience working with the Black community.


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


• Strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities.


• 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.

• One year of experience working in a library setting.


• One year of experience as a supervisor, lead worker, or person-in-charge.


• Experience training others and teaching classes.


• Experience planning, preparing and implementing Black community programs that are of interest to children, young adults, caregivers and adults working with children.


• Outstanding outreach ability, with a desire to learn more about the local Black community and grow with it.


• 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 systems.


• Ability to engage well with people from diverse backgrounds.


• Ability to be a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Ability to collaborate with coworkers to solve problems.


• Experience with proactive reference and reader's advisory service for all segments of the community.


• Open to new ideas, new technologies, and new work practices.


• Ability to keep up with the library profession and public library trends.


• Willingness to embrace technology, including social networking.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

Screening and Evaluation

The Application Packet:

• A completed online application.


• A cover letter briefly summarizing your experience working with and serving the Black community.

Please only apply once for this opportunity.



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

• Initial review of minimum qualifications


• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates


• Consideration of top candidates/interviews


• Criminal records and reference checks

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 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 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: Anthony Cesario



Email: [email protected]



Phone: +1 (503) 9883109 x83109



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: 7211 - Library Assistant

Expected salary: $25.25 - 30.92 per hour

Location: Portland, OR

Apply Job!