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Library Now Program Specialist

**THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE AND SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR**

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) is seeking two LibraryNow Program Specialists.

Are you a community development professional committed to building quality relationships with youth and looking to make a difference with literacy and education? This is the opportunity for you!
 

PURPOSE

Under supervision of Library Education Outreach Coordinators, the LibraryNow Program Specialist (Program Specialist)

  • Provides coordination of the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) AmeriCorps program in which AmeriCorps members build relationships with youth while supporting academic achievement and addressing digital literacy, summer learning, and equitable access to library resources of Milwaukee students at both school and library locations.
  • Develops and sustains a successful program model and establishing relationships with schools and other library partners. This position collaborates with internal and external program advisory groups to maintain program success and continuous improvement.
  • Provides supervision of the MPL AmeriCorps team members from recruitment, selection, training and program implementation to ensure the provision of excellent customer service in outreach and in-library programming.
     

We are looking for an innovative and dedicated individual who wants to help others read, learn, and connect. If this is you, submit your application today!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

SUPERVISON

Supervise the activities and training of all MPL AmeriCorps members assigned to the MPL AmeriCorps program.

  • Recruit, interview, and provide orientation, training and evaluation of MPL AmeriCorps team.
  • Handle staff issues, including coaching and discipline.
  • Support the day-to-day youth programming activities of MPL AmeriCorps members at their school and library branch work sites, including biweekly meetings with members, curriculum review, observations of programming, and work evaluation.
  • Plan and execute training and weekly meetings for MPL AmeriCorps members throughout the year including onboarding and orientation and training on curriculum

PROGRAM SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Provide ongoing support for youth program and curriculum development.
  • Create lesson plans for MPL AmeriCorps members to carry out within school settings and after-school programming at library branch locations.
  • Outline methods and plan project workflow.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Identify partners and maintain strong relationships with leadership at partner sites.
  • Visit partner sites regularly and maintains regular contact with site contacts.
  • Maintain regular contact with MPL branch location staff.
  • Assist MPL leadership to facilitate internal and external program advisory committees.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Engage in professional development opportunities including Serve Wisconsin trainings with a focus on topics such as serving youth in Milwaukee and providing positive work and project experiences for MPL AmeriCorps members

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date.  You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.
  • The Library Now Program Specialist must be available to work 40 hours per week, and the ability to work flexible work hours including some evenings and weekends.
  • Must frequently travel between MPL buildings and other remote work locations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  1. Bachelor’s degree in education, community organization, or a related field
  2. Three years of professional experience in youth program development and implementation with a track record of building community partnerships.
  3. Valid driver's license and the availability of a properly insured automobile for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s Degree in education or related degree.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

TECHNICAL

  • Knowledge of and commitment to best practices in serving youth with an understanding of youth development stages.
  • Supervisory skills and the ability to train, plan, layout, direct, coach, motivate, discipline, and evaluate the work of others with a focus on staff development.
  • Ability to direct and work effectively with diverse staff and patrons.
  • Strong project management skills including time management and organization; ability to focus on outcomes and impact; ability to take initiative.
  • Knowledge and ability to work with computer applications, including the internet, spreadsheet, database, and word processing software, including Microsoft Office products.

COMMUNICATION, INTERPERSONAL AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Excellent verbal skills oral and written communication skills with an ability to write youth appropriate curriculum and speak before groups.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
  • Strong customer service orientation and ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
  • Ability to collaborate and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, library patrons and visitors, elected officials, other City staff, community partners, and outside agencies.

LEADERSHIP AND PROBLEM SOLVING

  • Commitment to leadership development and ability to provide high-quality experience for MPL AmeriCorps members.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, economic, and restorative justice with proven ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
  • Creative problem solving skills: effectively evaluates and makes independent decisions to resolve problems; recommends actions designed to prevent problems from occurring.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively multi-task.


CURRENT SALARY

The current starting salary (Pay Range 2CN) is $46,382 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $47,774 annually.  

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Selection Process - will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, written tests, interview, or other assessment methods. The Milwaukee Public Library reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral exams, performance tests, or personal interviews. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

  • Applicants may apply online at HERE
  • Applications, resumes, and cover letters should be submitted no later than Friday, March 10
  • Further information may be obtained by contacting mplamericorps@milwaukee.gov

CONCLUSION

EEO Code = 208
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.