Hello! The Ypsilanti District Library has an opening for a part-time Youth Para-professional to support our early literacy texting service, TALK. This is a 3-year grant-funded position. Applications are welcomed at the address below, or can be sent to my email. Lisa Lisa Hoenig, Director Ypsilanti District Library 5577 Whittaker Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (734) 879-1300 www.ypsilibrary.org<http://www.ypsilibrary.org/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D677A0.90B98B80] ** J O B P O S T I N G YPSILANTI DISTRICT LIBRARY Part-Time Para-Professional -- YDL-Whittaker Youth Department/TALK Project DATE: August 21, 2020 POSITION: YDL - Youth Department/TALK Project Para-Professional (.5 FTE, 20 hours per week) ABOUT OUR EARLY LITERACY PROJECT Singing, reading, talking, and playing with young children every day from birth has a proven impact on brain development and school readiness. To empower parents and caregivers, the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) worked in partnership with other libraries and organizations in Washtenaw County to develop TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten<http://texttolearn.com/>, a service that sends families with children under age 6 easy, age-appropriate activities via text message they can use in everyday routines such as grocery shopping to build their children's early learning skills. After successfully piloting the service for families in Washtenaw County, YDL has received an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant<https://imls.gov/grants/awarded/lg-246434-ols-20> to expand the service statewide. Over the next three years, we will work in partnership with the Library of Michigan, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, and High Scope to translate messages into Spanish, develop and test a new text message distribution platform, assemble toolkits and best practices for use by libraries across the state, and evaluate and adjust the program in the hope that libraries throughout the United States can eventually use TALK to improve school readiness for all children. ABOUT THE YDL-WHITTAKER YOUTH DEPARTMENT The Youth Department is a team of 6 who strive to engage youth and their families at the library and beyond, by inspiring a love of learning and providing easy access to information and diverse ideas through our collections, technology, programs, and community connections. ABOUT THE POSITION The ideal candidate for this job will be passionate about serving the community and empowering parents with tools to help their children succeed academically. Para-professional duties will be assigned by the YDL-Whittaker Head of Youth Services and include providing support for the TALK project and working in the Youth Department to provide reference and program support to library users and staff. Over the three years of the position, duties will include, but are not limited to: * Assisting with the development of TALK trainings and toolkits for other Michigan libraries. * Managing communication with other Michigan libraries requesting assistance with TALK resources and toolkits. * Promoting TALK in Washtenaw County through outreach visits to schools and partner organizations and through social media. * Managing local TALK subscriber and community partner communications. * Maintaining an Excel database of text messages as edits and additions are needed. * Producing periodic reports to update staff and community partners about the progress of the TALK project. * Helping kids and parents find books and information in the Youth Department. * Assisting families in the use of computers, iPads, and other library technology. * Supporting Youth Department staff in the preparation of library events and with collection development. QUALIFICATIONS * Associate's Degree or equivalent. Formal training in a child-related field or experience working with youth desired. * Demonstrated ability to work with families and youth from diverse populations. * Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. * Strong commitment to providing quality customer service. * Ability to function in a professional manner, work independently, and use good judgment. * Flexible and dependable. * Enthusiastic, positive team player. * Proficiency with technology, including WordPress, Microsoft Office, and social media tools. * Strong desire to engage children birth-18, their parents, caregivers and teachers. * Attention to detail and ability to proofread. * Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks. * Knowledge of Spanish a plus. HOURS Part-time, 20 hours per week (including regularly scheduled evenings and weekends). Hours are flexible and some work can be done remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The library is currently maintaining the safety of employees by requiring masks and social distancing, and providing curbside patron services while closed. SALARY/BENEFITS Hourly wage starting at $14.72. Pro-rated paid time off and holidays. This is a temporary, 3-year grant-funded position without benefits. TO APPLY Send resume, cover letter, & application form (available at www.ypsilibrary.org<http://www.ypsilibrary.org>) by Thursday, September 10, 2020 to: Human Resources or lisa@ypsilibrary.org Ypsilanti District Library 5577 Whittaker Road Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 The Ypsilanti District Library is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse workforce, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or age. Utilizing an internal workgroup dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, YDL strives to promote a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve, to support a more equitable future for all.