Service Advisor - Children's Focus

Halifax Public Libraries invites INTERNAL and EXTERNAL applications for the full-time, permanent position of Service Advisor (Children's focus) and the full-time, term position of Service Advisor (Children's Focus) at Sackville Public Library.

This is a unionized position. Preference will be given to internal applicants from the NSUPE Local 14 bargaining unit.

Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs.

ABOUT THE BRANCH
Sackville Public Library is a high-paced branch that quickly responds to the needs to the community. Many community members visit the branch daily. We are located in an economically diverse community, with a large segment of children and teens attending the library independently. It is a vibrant community space for all, with programs, conversations and numerous partnerships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be assigned a Children's Services focus area. This includes:

• Delivering planned programs and activities to children and families
• Planning program activities within established frameworks
• Building, supporting and facilitating positive relationships with children and families.

Note: Focus areas are not permanent and subject to change at any time.

As a Service Advisor at Halifax Public Libraries, you will be:
Working with Public Service:

• Build, support and facilitate positive relationships with all library users
• Answer customer questions and provide information including readers’ advisory services and refer to appropriate staff as needed
• Handle cash, credit and debit transactions (e.g. fines, refunds, and voids)
• Perform opening and closing duties for the branch (e.g. balancing cash, prepare deposits, and maintain cash float)
• Foster a safe environment for library staff and users by proactively monitoring public use of facilities
• Respond to safety concerns, address comments and complaints, and prepare incident reports as required.
• Promote and display materials, programs and services
• Assist with Service Support duties as required

Working with Material Handling:

• Check out materials and assist customers with self-check-out
• Handle registration and maintenance of library user accounts
• Select and refer materials for specific clients (e.g. Home Delivery, Borrow by Mail, ELL and Literacy tutors and learners, Preschool Grab Bags)
• Provide collection maintenance support:
• Sort, process, repair or discard library materials
• Resolve problem items (e.g. mismatches, missing pieces)

Working with Programming:

• Host, facilitator and/or deliver programs, event guests and library tours
• Plan program activities within established frameworks or in an area of personal expertise
• Promote or provide library services at community sites

Working with Technology:

• Assist customers in the use of the library catalogue, the library’s electronic resources, Internet, social media and word processing
• Assist customers with personal electronic devices such as tablets and phones
• Assist customers with printing, scanning, photocopying, faxing
• Troubleshoot library computers and related equipment

Other:

• Display, promote, and perform work duties in a positive and safe way and display safety awareness at all times.
• Support and show leadership by working to health and safety standards, following health and safety policies and procedures and encouraging colleagues to work to the same standards by reporting incidents, hazardous conditions and improvement possibilities.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade Twelve (12) or equivalent & three (3) years of related experience

(Related experience can come from a number of sources such as volunteer work, community work, customer service, hospitality, or retail experience)

Required:

• Read and write English
• Effective communication skills
• Basic math skills for cash handling
• Basic computer knowledge and skills, including:Functions of a web browserMicrosoft office applicationsSocial media applications
• Intermediate technology skills, including:Willingness to learn and experiment with additional tools and technologiesWillingness to support others in learning technical skills and concepts

Asset:

• Fluency in a second language
• Previous work experience in a library
• Experience with public speaking, performance or hosting events