JANUARY 2018 FLSA: NON-EXEMPT

SENIOR ASSISTANT

DEFINITION

Under supervision, directs, oversees, and participates in the day-to-day activities and operations of a major function or branch of the library in a lead capacity; provides lead direction to other Library Assistants, clerical staff, and volunteers, and to perform related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Library Director or I/II. Exercises technical or functional direction over clerical staff and volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey-level class in the library assistant series. Incumbents are responsible for the full operation of a full service branch, branches, or in the absence of the Supervising Librarian or other designated professional . Performs basic reference and readers’ advisory service, assists with , and designs and implements library programs. Provides complex staff support, responds to patron issues, and oversees important branch operational activities functions, including cash reconciliations, opening and closing procedures, staff scheduling, collection of fines and fees, statistical reporting, and training of staff and volunteers. Provides technical or functional direction to other employees and supervises volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

 Coordinates, directs, and administers daily activities and operations of an assigned major branch library, library function, or bookmobile.  Trains employees and volunteers in work principles, practices, methods, policies, procedures, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.  Assists in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards including recommending improvements; assists in the planning and implementation of library programs and services related to branch or function operations.  Participates in staff and volunteer selection and hiring.  Establishes daily work schedules for branch employees and oversees daily operation of the or function; may establish and maintain bookmobile routes and schedules.  Participates in the work of the Library Assistant II classification, including circulation, reference, interlibrary loan, children’s programs, basic cataloging, or other activities.  Maintains specialized patron records and loan accounts and related records in the library automation system and produces reports; maintains specialized reference files including electronic reference “bookmarks”. Senior Library Assistant January 2018 Page 2 of 4

 Assists with the development of library collections, including ordering, purchasing, distribution and use of and other materials in area(s) of specialization; reviews and recommends the acquisition of new materials for the Library’s collection; identifies materials to be removed from the collection.  Withdraws and discards materials from the library collection according to established departmental policy.  Participates in community events and outreach activities.  Refers complex reference questions to professional librarians at the main library facility.  Collects and accounts for all monies collected.  Assists in the development of a variety of library-related literature-based and educational programs and activities.  Coordinates and monitors the maintenance needs of the branch, function, or bookmobile; arranges for major maintenance needs as required in the absence of the Library Operations Supervisor.  Orders needed supplies and equipment for branch or bookmobile and function operations.  Maintains the daily security of assigned branch facility.  Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence related to function operations.  Participates in meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance services or promote consistent policies and procedures across the department.  Participates in professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and continuing education programs as appropriate.  Exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned library clerical, part-time, and volunteer personnel.  Assists in ensuring the proper maintenance and use of Library equipment.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

When assigned to bookmobile: (In addition to the above)

 Drives bookmobile on a scheduled route, collecting and delivering library materials and supplies.  Performs daily routine maintenance checks on vehicle including oil, tires, and vehicle equipment; fills vehicle with fuel and maintains clean condition; takes vehicle to a service shop for regular servicing; keeps record of maintenance checks; notifies supervisor if any issues are identified during the vehicle inspection.  Loads and unloads books and materials from bookmobile; sorts, shelves, moves, and maintains books and materials in order.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

 Basic principles of employee and volunteer supervision and training.  Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to the program area(s) to which assigned.  Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of library activities and programs.  Applications of automated system.  General principles of services and programs.  Library classification and cataloging, and bibliographic terminology and practices.  Principles, practices, and techniques of public relations, community outreach, and service promotion.  Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.  Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.  Record keeping principles and procedures. Senior Library Assistant January 2018 Page 3 of 4

 Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software applications related to the work.  English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.  Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

When assigned to bookmobile: (In addition to the above)

 Safe driving practices and vehicle operation and basic maintenance.

Ability to:

 Plan, oversee, implement, and coordinate assigned library operations and activities, as well as staff and volunteers.  Inspect the work of staff and maintain established quality control standards; train staff in proper work procedures.  Identify and implement effective course of action to complete assigned work.  Access, retrieve, enter, and update information using a computer workstation.  Organize work and manage projects and programs.  Interpret, and apply Federal, State, and local, administrative and departmental laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.  Schedule and coordinate projects; set priorities; adapt to changing priorities.  Perform routine clerical work, including maintenance of appropriate records, mathematical calculations, and compiling information for reports.  Operate modern office equipment, including library computer system and equipment, copiers, printers, software programs, and cash register.  Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.  Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.  Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.  Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.  Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

When assigned to bookmobile: (In addition to the above)

 Drive a large vehicle for extended periods of time.  Read maps and determine alternate routes; navigate throughout the County-wide library system.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade and completion of two (2) years of college level coursework, including completion of basic computer courses in relation to library work or child development and children’s literature and two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the County’s Library Assistant II.

Licenses and Certifications:  Possession of a California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Senior Library Assistant January 2018 Page 4 of 4

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various Library sites; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This classification primarily works indoors and requires frequent standing and walking between work areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and shelve materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. When assigned to bookmobile, employees are stationed primarily within a vehicle serving as the bookmobile driver and spend a significant amount of time in daily transit. Incumbents may be exposed to smoke/fumes/gas, dirt/dust, grease/oil, chemicals, excessive heat/cold, inclement weather, road hazards, and high frequency noise. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.