Community Engagement Librarian - Youth

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Manager of Communications & Engagement, the Community Engagement Librarian – Youth develops and leads opportunities to engage children, youth, and families, expanding the Library’s reach and impact. This role focuses on understanding and responding to the diverse needs of the community, including Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, immigrants, and those facing accessibility barriers.

Community engagement includes designing and delivering in-person and virtual programs, events, and initiatives that educate, entertain, and enrich patrons’ lives. The role also involves gathering community feedback through surveys, research, and partnerships to inform service delivery.

The incumbent builds and maintains relationships with schools, civic agencies, and community organizations that support well-being and socio-economic development. This position may also participate in hiring, supervising, and training support staff.

In addition, the role provides reference, readers’ advisory, and customer account services in person, by phone, and online, while upholding established service standards. The incumbent contributes to a respectful, inclusive workplace aligned with Library policies and procedures.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and support staff through coaching, scheduling, training, onboarding, and performance management.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and productive team environment.
• Support performance reviews in collaboration with the Manager.

Programming & Community Engagement

• Plan, deliver, evaluate, and promote seasonal programs and events (in-person and virtual).
• Lead outreach initiatives focused on underserved and historically marginalized populations.
• Build and sustain partnerships with schools, non-profits, and community organizations.
• Act as a liaison to coordinate outreach and community-based programming.
• Gather and analyze community feedback to inform services and programs.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in programming, outreach, and promotion.
• Explore and implement new service delivery approaches with internal and external partners.
• Prepare reports, evaluate programs, and support grant applications and special projects.
• Deliver programs for all ages as needed.

Customer Service & Public Support

• Provide reference, readers’ advisory, and account services in person, online, and by phone.
• Assist patrons with library resources, technology, and equipment (printing, scanning, etc.).
• Troubleshoot issues and refer complex problems as needed.
• Support development of policies and procedures related to public service.
• Maintain familiarity with physical and digital collections and contribute to collection insights.
• Collaborate with staff on bibliographies, guides, displays, and instructional support.
• Mentor support staff in service delivery.
• Respond to and help manage incidents affecting patron and staff safety.
• Work shifts at public service points, including evenings and weekends.

Operations & Organizational Support

• Lead or contribute to internal and external projects, committees, and meetings.
• Communicate ideas to improve workflows and services.
• Deliver presentations and reports as required.
• Provide input on digital services, including the library website.
• Act as in-charge staff in the absence of senior leadership, responding to issues, complaints, and emergencies.
• Maintain regular communication with the Manager regarding progress and challenges.
• Participate in professional development and ongoing learning.
• Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical: Mix of desk work and active movement; standing for extended periods; lifting materials (up to 50 lbs); program and event setup; regular travel between locations.
• Environment: Primarily indoor with frequent outdoor and community-based work in varying weather conditions.
• Sensory: High attention to detail in a fast-paced, interrupt-driven environment.
• Mental: Ongoing pressure, decision-making with limited information, and work with diverse and sometimes vulnerable populations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (ALA-accredited or equivalent).
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant library experience in community engagement, outreach, and program development.
• 2–3 years’ supervisory experience (hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management).
• Strong digital literacy and familiarity with library technologies and systems.
• Experience with budgeting and reporting.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Assets:

• Experience with gaming systems.
• Website/content management knowledge.
• Additional language skills.

QUALITIES

• Strong leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Empathy and cultural awareness.
• Adaptability, creativity, and initiative.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse communities, particularly marginalized populations.
• Commitment to learning and adopting new technologies.

This is a full-time, permanent position at 37.5 hours per week offering a wage of $36.66 per hour.