The Youth Programming Specialist plans and performs programs for children and teens from 0-18 years, with guidance from the Youth Services Manager to determine the percentage of time focused on each age group.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• With direction from the Youth Services Manager, plan, present and evaluate diverse and creative programs for all ages of children and their caregivers that promote literacy and creativity. These programs may be held in the library, off-site, and online. These programs may include, but are not limited to: infant, toddler, preschool storytimes; library tours; Teen Advisory Board meetings, school classroom and assembly presentations; craft or technology programs.
• Provide support for library youth programs led by other members of the Youth Services Team as needed.
• Provide quality customer service, readers' advisory, new patron orientation and ongoing patron education, and answers reference questions to all patrons.
• Help develop and maintain inviting and functional youth library areas.
• Represent the library at various community events.
• Perform work within established guidelines and refers department questions and concerns to the Youth Services Manager in a timely manner.
• Assist with coordination, supervision and training of volunteers as needed.
• Perform other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

• Actively supports all efforts to increase cooperation, communication, and collaboration between and among staff, library patrons and volunteers.
• Acknowledges and accepts the Library's mission, respects the Library's confidentiality regulations, and maintains the integrity of the Waukee Public Library.
• Enjoys working with all ages of children and their caregivers, both individually and in groups of all sizes while demonstrating a working knowledge of routine library practices.
• Maintains considerable knowledge of youth literature and materials as well as current holdings and library resources, both print and electronic.
• Exhibit considerable knowledge of the needs, developmental stages, and abilities of children and/or teens required.
• Knowledge of children and/or teen literature and materials preferred.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, and cultural sensitivity in working with a diverse public and coworkers.
• Ability to conduct a reference interview and be able to answer reference questions with authority and tenacity to meet patron needs.
• Working knowledge of current electronic devices, Internet tools, social media and library related technology and trends, and the ability to embrace the challenge of continuously learning new tools, software, and technology to meet typical library needs.
• Continually seeks and participates in opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
• Improves the effectiveness and efficiency of all library operations with positive and creative approaches to challenges.
• Demonstrates sound time-management skills by effectively and efficiently organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple assignments in a timely manner.
• Exercises independent judgement to creatively solve problems and negotiate stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Attentive to the City's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed meets those standards.
• Represents the City professionally and effectively to the community and library patrons.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 
  Bachelor's Degree in library & information science, early childhood development or a related field required.
• Previous public library work experience in children or teen services preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience in working directly with children or teens required.
• Previous experience in event planning for children or teens preferred.
• Access to transportation with insurance at required state levels to conduct business throughout the assigned area.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required to move or lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.
• Be able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic and handwritten) in English with other employees, library patrons, and the community.

• Climate-controlled office with hazards typical of that environment, minimal outdoor work is required.
• Standard work hours include evenings and weekends.
• To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours within the Waukee Public Library building.