On-Call Senior Library Public Service Associate

Requisition ID: 43188

Company: Vancouver Public Library is a place where learning, joy, community, and recreation (see also: fun) come together. This is where we introduce people to the ideas and information that could change their lives and where everyone is truly welcome.

We are the third largest public library system in Canada, with more than 800 staff members offering services at 21 locations across the city. We lend over 5 million items per year to our community, including books, streaming content, musical instruments, and more. Nearly 200,000 people attend our programs and events to learn, be inspired, and connect with others.

We are looking for positive people with excellent customer service skills, who can confidently and respectfully deliver library services to our incredibly diverse communities.  We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the public; being adaptable and open to learning will help you as you start your career with VPL.

Does this sound like you? This innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace could be the next step in your career journey, so reach out to us today.

Worksite:  Various (on-call) – SLPSAs work at all VPL branches

Job Summary: Senior Library Public Service Assistants (“SLPSAs”) are the foundation of the library’s in-person customer services. SLPSAs work at all VPL locations across the city to answer questions from the public about books and reading, library services and resources, technology, community services, and so much more. Your broad knowledge base and confident technology skills will help you search for answers and troubleshoot computer, mobile device, and printer issues with ease.

As an SLPSA, you will most often be found at one of our public service desks, supporting the public with their questions and technology troubleshooting needs in a friendly and welcoming way. The library welcomes people from all walks of life. We deliver friendly, respectful and responsive service for everyone, regardless of their income, housing situation, or background. A genuine desire to help people will be a great asset in this role!

SLPSAs deliver many Library programs for adults, kids and teens. You will present preschool Storytimes to help young children learn and grow, host community programs where adults connect over shared interests, lead technology programs to teach about e-readers and basic computer applications, support English Language Learners conversation circles, and much more. With over 5,000 programs per year at VPL, you’ll never be bored!

You will often assist with sorting, moving and shelving books and other materials during your day. This requires the ability to perform repetitive work, lift physical items, stand, reach and bend to shelve items, and move around the library. You will be part of a system that circulates over 5 million items per year.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Libraries are all about people.  We want folks with excellent customer service skills and who come to work with patience, warmth, and curiosity for other people.

Considerable knowledge about library methods and procedures is an asset, but we are interested in hearing about other relevant skills/experience. If you have experience handling information and basic technology troubleshooting in a public service setting that requires care and empathy, we want to hear about it.

The ability to engage positively and empathetically with children and families while delivering children's programs is important.  Please outline any experience you may have in this regard in your application.

Experience working in a fast-paced environment where there are lots of competing demands is very relevant. Do you know how to juggle priorities and set boundaries without compromising on customer service? 

Please highlight your oral and written communication skills. Being a clear communicator when speaking with the public or writing an e-mail will help you shine at the library.

Not every interaction is easy; diplomacy, tact, and empathy are a must. Please highlight your skills, particularly with conflict de-escalation.

Please highlight your ability to participate in the planning and presentation of programs and projects, including public speaking and instruction.

You need to be able to help with the maintenance of the library collection, following guidance from our Librarians to help shepherd books onto and off our shelves as the needs of the community shift and grow.

Library work is physical and repetitive, with staff moving books and materials throughout the day. Physical movements such as bending, reaching, lifting, squatting, gripping and pushing book trucks are involved throughout a shift.  Experience with materials handling and safe lifting techniques for larger volumes of orders/materials is preferred

This is a very team-oriented role. We are looking for people who can follow instructions, communicate positively, and work respectfully with a diverse group of peers. You should be able to plan, organize and carry out your assigned duties and responsibilities efficiently as part of a friendly and professional team.
 

Affiliation: CUPE 391
Employment Type: Auxiliary / On-Call
Salary: $34.30 to $40.34 per hour 
 

Please know that library work includes day, evening, and weekend shifts. We are a 7- day a week operation at most of our locations in order to serve our community. Applicants must be prepared to work at any location in the VPL system.

Availability: We require our auxiliary staff to provide a minimum of 20 hours of availability across the week. Much of our work for auxiliary staff members is available on weekends or evenings.  Our need for on-call staff is most significant on Sundays, so please note that having availability on Sundays on an ongoing and consistent basis is a condition of hire, and ongoing employment.  An availability grid is provided below; please ensure you include this grid in your cover letter and specify which timeslots you have availability for.

Availability grid:

Closing date: Monday, February 3rd at 11:59pm

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Vancouver Public Library is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve.  We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds including Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2S+, all genders, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.  Should you be shortlisted and require an accommodation during the selection process, please provide details to the hiring committee.

Applicants must be prepared to work at any location in the VPL system.  As VPL is responsible for the well-being of its patrons, a Police Information Check clearance is a condition of employment. Please refer to our policy for further information. Personal information collected is used in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.