Careers

Youth Services Specialist (Part-time)

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is looking for a part-time Youth Services Specialist who is energetic, an effective communicator, organized, and has a passion for sparking curiosity with young children in our community.  

The Youth Services Specialist provides direct service support to customers for their information, reading and technology question needs in person, over the phone, and online; excites customers about learning and reading; and creates and presents programs, classes, learning experiences, displays and digital content focused on a wide range of learning needs of customers, especially youth.

As the part-time Youth Services Specialist some of the things you will do are:

Customer Engagement

• Provides indirect and direct customer service.  Delivers high quality customer service by assisting customers with library materials, digital resources, technology equipment, information needs, or other services.  Engages with customers in person, by phone, by email, by text messaging, or by chat services.  Promotes the use of services, materials, and programs to customers. 
• Instructs customers on how to locate, reserve, and check out materials.  Instructs customers on how to locate and register for services. Troubleshoots issues related to services, materials, and technology use. Communicates well with children and adults. Interactions may take place in the library or in the community as outreach. 
• Maintains collections and spaces for ease of use, attractiveness, and general upkeep.
• Ensures that customers are abiding by all library policies and procedures to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience for all library visitors and staff.

Program Development

• Researches, prepares, presents, facilitates, and evaluates physical and virtual learning opportunities for the public based upon community needs and interests individually or as part of a team. 
• Follows the library’s programming framework when planning, presenting, and evaluating programs.
• Creates age-appropriate programming to meet the unique needs of youth.

Content Creation

• Researches, prepares, writes/records content for publicity, displays, social media platforms, and websites under the advisement of the Communications and Marketing Department.

Attendance

• Maintains prompt arrival and efficiently and dependably maintains scheduled hours.

Position Requirements/Preferences

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• A combination of customer service and/or post-secondary education to a total of three years.
• Must obtain and maintain a negative tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Preferred:

• Two years of experience working directly with youth in a professional capacity.
• Multilingual fluency in English and at least one other language is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of children’s literature, authors, and pop culture.
• Knowledge of library tools and learning resources such as databases, print resource and online resources.
• Computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite applications, preferably Office 365.
• Strong interpersonal, written communication, oral communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with customers, volunteers, community partners, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy.
• Ability to work scheduled hours, arrive promptly, and maintain regular, reliable attendance.
• Ability to use technology necessary for the position and learn new technology as it is needed.
• Ability to travel safely to outreach sites within the community.

A pre and/or post-employment drug screen, criminal history record check and physical capacity testing are required as a condition of employment.

SCHEDULE: Part-time 20 hours per week. Days, nights and some weekend hours are required.  

PAY & BENEFITS: Hourly rate will be in the range of $18.81 to $20.93 depending on experience and qualifications. A CDL differential is also provided. Excellent benefits including health & dental insurance with pre-tax premiums, and a retirement plan (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System KPERS). Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are also provided. Other optional benefits available at employee's expense include vision, life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

A completed and signed TSCPL job application along with a resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Details about where you can find and submit TSCPL applications are below.

Applications must be received by May 18, 2025.

Employment Application Supplemental Employment History