Experienced Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant – Community Outreach and Customer Service Specialist for Multnomah County Library

Introduction to Multnomah County Library

Imagine working for an organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to building strong relationships with the community it serves. Multnomah County Library is a vibrant and dynamic organization that is dedicated to providing exceptional library services to people of all ages and backgrounds. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant to join our team and help us achieve our mission of promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

About the Role

As a Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant, you will play a critical role in providing outstanding customer service to our diverse community of patrons, with a special focus on serving the Black community. You will be responsible for responding to information requests, answering circulation questions, and providing readers' advisory services to patrons of all ages. You will also be expected to conduct outreach and community engagement activities, including planning and delivering programs and services that meet the needs of the Black community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to patrons of all ages, with a special focus on serving the Black community
• Respond to information requests and answer circulation questions in person, over the phone, via chat, social media, or other virtual media
• Conduct outreach and community engagement activities, including planning and delivering programs and services that meet the needs of the Black community
• Provide readers' advisory services and sign up patrons for events and library accounts
• Help support a safe and welcoming branch environment
• Assist patrons in successfully using the library by helping them understand library rules and sharing community resources
• Answer information questions about library rules, have initial conversations about low-level issues, and refer patrons to the Person-in-Charge (PIC) as needed
• Collaborate with systemwide teams, regional and location teams to plan, deliver, and evaluate programming for a variety of communities and cultural groups of all ages

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong passion for serving the Black community and a deep understanding of the traditions, values, and customs of the Black community. You will also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience providing customer service, performing outreach, and/or directly connecting with the Black community
• An associate's degree, or the equivalent experience
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Black community
• Strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities
• Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications are preferred:

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Ability to engage well with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to be a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a range of skills and competencies, including:

Key Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities
• Ability to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Black community
• Ability to conduct outreach and community engagement activities
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities

Career Growth Opportunities

At Multnomah County Library, we are committed to providing our employees with opportunities for career growth and development. As a Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas, including customer service, outreach and community engagement, and program planning and delivery.

Learning Benefits

We offer a range of learning benefits to our employees, including training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement. We are committed to helping our employees achieve their career goals and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Work Environment and Company Culture

At Multnomah County Library, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive work environment. We value our employees and are committed to providing them with a positive and supportive work environment. We offer a range of benefits, including flexible scheduling, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $25.25 - $30.92 per hour, depending on experience. We also offer a range of perks and benefits, including flexible scheduling, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and passionate individual who is committed to serving the Black community, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Black Cultural Competency Library Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our patrons and contribute to the success of our organization. Don't miss out on this chance to join our team and help us achieve our mission of promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application through our online portal. You will need to provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your qualifications and experience.