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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Assistant Substitute Mar. 2026 City of Port Townsend Job Description Library Assistant Substitute Classification title: Library Assistant Substitute Working title: Library Substitute Department: Community Services - Library Union: No FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 605 (step 1) Hours: Variable, may include evenings and weekends Effective date: Dec. 2020; May 2025; Mar. 2026 Reports to: Library Manager Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision, while providing excellent customer service, performs a wide range of circulation and customer service-related functions. Typical duties include staffing the circulation desk, checking out/in various library materials, issuing library cards, assessing or adjusting fines, maintaining patron accounts, preparing money transmittal reports, processing periodicals, processing of the courier and bookdrops, mending and processing library materials and providing direct assistance to patrons. The Library Substitute is a part-time (less than 20 hours per week) position. The position has no regular schedule and works hours as needed to fill in for regular staff absences and leaves or other unanticipated situations when extra help is needed. Hours may include evenings and weekends. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Perform all activities associated with the circulation function of the City of Port Townsend Public Library (PTPL) including all transactions pertaining to the Integrated Library System (ILS), money transmittal and circulation reporting, administering PTPL policies, procedures and services, providing excellent and welcoming customer service in person, online, and over the telephone, assessing and/or adjusting fines and fees for damages, late returns, lost materials and other issues.  Respond to patron requests for information and direction, referring to other qualified staff as appropriate. Assist patrons with basic reference information. Assist patrons in accessing computer programs such as email and using the Internet. Assist with current and emerging library technology. Respectfully respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.  Assist in promoting PTPL programs, information, services and materials.  Assist with periodicals processing, design of displays and other library promotional and informational materials.  Perform basic Paging responsibilities as needed, such as shelving, processing of the courier and bookdrop.  Assist with collection maintenance (under supervision), mending of books, periodicals, media and other materials, as needed.  Provide oversight for branch operations in the absence of the Library Managers.  Prepare the library for opening and securing the library at closing.  Maintain a clean, welcoming and safe library environment.  Support volunteers as needed. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people. Library Substitute  Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.  Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, management, volunteers, elected officials, and patrons.  Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, the general public, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.  Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.  Ability to provide excellent, efficient customer service to all patrons, staff and volunteers, in a fast- paced public environment.  Ability to work independently with limited direction or supervision.  Ability to handle money, give correct change and prepare money transmittal reports required for the cash register.  Ability to sort and file alphanumerically and to perform basic mathematical computations, including ability to navigate the Dewey Decimal System.  Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system and cash register.  Ability to access and utilize staff Intranet resources.  Ability to follow detailed written or verbal procedural instructions accurately, with willingness to seek clarification.  Ability to acquire and effectively implement knowledge of PTPL and the City of Port Townsend’s policies and procedures and to use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron problems within established guidelines.  Ability to work a schedule that may change periodically, including evenings and weekends. Willingness to being flexible to meet the needs of PTPL. QUALIFICATIONS Required  Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED plus one year experience in a service-oriented environment.  Must be able to pass a criminal background check. WORKING CONDITIONS While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to perform:  (Continuous) seeing, talking, hearing, grasping, handling and manual dexterity.  (Frequent) walking, reaching, bending, standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, keyboarding and repetitive motion of hands/wrists.  (Occasional) climbing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, crawling and balancing.  Must be able to sort, unpack, lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds regularly and, occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds.  Regularly requires the ability to push, pull and maneuver a loaded book cart (20 pounds of push/pull force) on a frequent basis over an extended period of time. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Library Substitute The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job- related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisors. All employees must comply with all City policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.