Jobs at the Des Moines Public Library

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title: Community Resource Specialist
• Location: Central Library
• Department: Administration
• Annual Salary: $66,914
• Position Type: Full-time

SUMMARY

The Community Resource Specialist is responsible for collaborating with library administration and staff to develop and design a robust program and social services plan for the DMPL that will address the immediate needs of DMPL patrons who are in need of social services and provide support for all DMPL locations. As part of this program the Community Resource Specialist will actively work with patrons in need by providing assessment, referral, brief counseling, service coord nation, and/or psychosocial support. The person in this position will serve as a resource for library staff and model effective techniques for working with patrons experiencing mental health, substance abuse, unstable housing, or other needs. This person will represent DMPL interests in interactions with area social service agencies, governmental entities, and other relevant organizations and coordinate services with community partners to help support patrons and the DMPL.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Design and implement systems and processes recommended to support in need DMPL patrons.
• Identify and offer services to library patrons who may benefit from social service support through outreach, direct observation, or referral by DMPL staff.
• Assess patrons’ identified needs and provide support, referral, brief counseling, and/or service coordination for those needs, including those related to housing, mental health, primary care, substance abuse, and/or other areas of psychosocial need.
• Coach, model, and serve as a resource for DMPL staff in best practices related to working with vulnerable populations and customers.
• Develop and sustain relationships with community partners to ease referrals for patrons and improve linkages with local organizations for potential library programming and collaboration.
• Collaborate with DMPL staff and/or the management team to develop community-relevant services and programming related to patron psychosocial needs.
• Provide expert information as part of library planning processes, lead projects that intersect with services to vulnerable or at-risk populations, identify and advocate for vulnerable
• Provide guidance to DMPL staff, administration, and security personnel about underlying issues related to disruptive patron conduct and collaboratively design protocol to help distinguish between library security issues versus opportunities for connecting patrons with social work support. 
• Represent the DMPL by participating in local task forces or other community meetings to address the systemic issues and needs faced by at-risk library patrons who spend time in and around the DMPL. 
• Maintain professional engagement on a state and/or national level, tracking trends among library-based social workers and implementing promising new practices. 
• Prepare reports on services provided, including statistics, outcomes, and service impacts. 
• Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to communicate effectively. 
• Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form. 
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to access relevant library materials and operate a keyboard. 
• Sufficient mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to transport materials and equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of general social work principles and available resources. 
• Knowledge of social services procedures, practices, and methods. 
• Knowledge of social services related laws, rules, and regulations relating to provision of public assistance, and social welfare. 
• Knowledge of services offered by local public and private community-based service agencies. 
• Skill prioritizing work. 
• Skill managing and executing multiple tasks. 
• Skill using computers and related software applications. 
• Skill exercising judgment and discretion. 
• Ability to provide outstanding internal and external customer service through the use of excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to instruct, train, and supervise students, social worker interns and volunteers. 
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to keep records, files, compile reports, and analyze and evaluate records and statistics.
• Ability to meet assigned project deadlines. 
• Ability to serve the public in a positive manner. 
• Ability to plan and present library programs for the public. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school. 
• Two years post-Master of Social Work (MSW) practice, including experience in at least some of the following- case management, crisis intervention, de-escalation, counseling, and/or advocacy with people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders. 
• Experience supervising Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and/or MSW students is preferred. 
• Experience training others on social work or related skills or strategies is preferred. 
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires an active social work license in the State of Iowa. 
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, drug screen, and background check. 
• Must possess valid driver’s license.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send resume, letter of application, and unofficial transcripts to:

Deputy Director Jon Hobbs 

• Email: JTHobbs@dmpl.org
• Fax: (515) 237-1654
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Applicants will  be accepted until this job is filled. Applicants deemed most qualified based on qualifications may be contacted for an interview. Qualified applicants who need reasonable accommodation must inform City HR at (515) 283-4213 or TTY at Iowa Relay at 711 or 1-800-735-2942 at time of application.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title: Professional Substitute
• Department: Information Services
• Hourly Wage: $27.25
• Position Type: As Needed

SUMMARY

Under general direction, provides information and readers' advisory services in a variety of library locations as needed. Does related professional and clerical work as required. Must have own transportation. Hours vary. Must be available for weekday daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides exemplary customer service to library patrons.
• Answers information and readers' advisory questions.
• Trains patrons in use of online catalog and various databases.
• Checks out and receives library materials.
• Manages interactions with customers with tact and diplomacy.
• Works in a variety of locations on an on-call schedule.
• Substitutes as lead for story times, teen programs, and adult programs.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to access relevant library materials and operate a keyboard.
• Sufficient mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to transport materials and equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of library policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of a broad range of reference and readers' advisory materials. 
• Knowledge of general clerical methods and procedures. 
• Skill in using current library technology and automated systems. 
• Skill in interpreting library resources and services to the public. 
• Ability to keep records and files and compile reports. 
• Ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to adapt to a variety of work environments and changing schedules. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others. 
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service. 
• Ability to stoop and reach well enough to retrieve materials from the shelves.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Successful customer service experience in public library work or related field is desired. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science is preferred. Spanish/English bilingual verbal and written skills are preferred.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send resume, letter of application, and unofficial transcripts to:

Deputy Director Jon Hobbs 

• Email: JTHobbs@dmpl.org
• Fax: (515) 237-1654
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Applications must be received by November 13, 2024, at 5 PM. Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, drug screen, and background check.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title: Library Aide
• Required Hours
  • Mondays, 4-8 PM
  • Wednesdays, 4-8 PM
  • Thursdays, 4-8 PM
  • Saturdays, 9 AM-2 PM

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Checks in, sorts, shelves, and files all library materials 
• Empties book returns 
• Processes daily branch delivery 
• Shelf reads and shifts library collections 
• Generates lists to find library materials 
• Performs opening, closing, and cleanup procedures 
• Shovels snow, waters plants, picks up trash, sets up room for events, and other light maintenance duties as assigned 
• Operates a variety of office equipment such as a PC, printer, and copier 
• Attends meetings and participates in training sessions 
• Helps with other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to be able to communicate effectively 
• Sufficient vision to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form 
• Sufficient manual dexterity to be able to access relevant library materials and operate a computer 
• Sufficient mobility to be able to push and pull loaded book carts; bend, reach and kneel; and utilize a step stool 
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds on a frequent basis

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Adheres to library policies and procedures 
• Operates various types of library equipment and technology 
• Communicates in a friendly and tactful manner 
• Files library materials alphabetically and numerically, using the Dewey Decimal Classification system 
• Follows oral and written instructions 
• Works in a diverse and changing environment 
• Dependably works assigned schedule without direct supervision

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must be 16 years of age 
• Completed middle school

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send resume, letter of application, and a completed job application form to:

Senior Librarian Brooke Santillan 

• Email: BASantillan@dmpl.org
• Fax: (515) 237-1654
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Job Title: Library Aide
• Location: South Side Library
• Position type: Hourly
• Salary: $13.23/hour

JOB SUMMARY 

Under the direction of a manager, sorts, shelves, and organizes library materials, assists at the public service desk, and performs related work as required. The ideal candidate will be available to work anytime Mondays-Thursdays between 9 AM – 8 PM, Fridays between 9 AM – 6 PM, and Saturdays between 9-5 PM.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Sorts, shelves, and files books and other library materials. 

• Checks out and receives materials. 

• Creates and maintains patron records, applications, and other forms. 

• Operates a variety of library equipment. 

• Performs light cleaning and maintenance duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of general library practices and procedures. 

• Skill in operating various types of office equipment. 

• Ability to communicate with staff and patrons in a courteous and professional manner. 

• Ability to spell, use correct grammar, and make simple mathematical calculations. 

• Ability to alphabetize and file using the Dewey Decimal Classification. 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

• Ability to work quickly and accurately. 

• Ability to provide outstanding customer service. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to be able to communicate effectively. 

• Sufficient vision to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related. 

• Sufficient manual dexterity to be able to access library materials and operate a keyboard. 

• Sufficient mobility to be able to transport materials and equipment. 

• Sufficient mobility to perform circulation procedures and to shelve and retrieve materials. 

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. on a frequent basis. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must be sixteen years of age. Experience using a library as either a regular patron, volunteer or employee is preferred.  

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Send resume, letter of application, and a completed job application form to:

Senior Librarian Alicia Mangin 

• Email: AMMangin@dmpl.org
• Phone: (515) 248-6279
• Mail: 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309