Library Associate - Children's Services Job at Frederick County Government in Th

Overview

Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL). We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team. Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.

Position 1: Library Associate – Children’s Services (Thurmont Regional Library)

Status: Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time, library benefited; 40 hours per week; varied days and hours during FCPL regular operating schedule; position subject to system-wide reassignment. In a branch setting, this position may serve as the Person-in-Charge (PIC). Supervision and support are provided by the Children’s Services Supervisor.

This para-professional position plays a key role in delivering comprehensive library services to patrons of all ages, with a strong focus on children’s programs and services. The role supports a wide variety of library operations and initiatives, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming environment. This position may also provide guidance and direction to other staff members as assigned.

Pay note: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Equal opportunity: Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you want to make a difference and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Total Compensation Package: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package including the following in the first year as a full-time benefited employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options with generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan); includes Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (vesting after 10 years; credit for eligible previous public/military service)
• Work/Life balance programs: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits (Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness and Accident, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Long-Term Care)
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

More information: Benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

Position 2: Library Associate – Children’s Services (Thurmont Regional Library, continued)

Status: Non-exempt; part-time, 28 hours per week; varied days and hours during FCPL regular operating schedule; pro-rated benefits; position subject to system-wide reassignment.

This para-professional position plays a key role in delivering comprehensive library services to patrons of all ages, with a strong focus on children’s programs and services. The role supports a wide variety of library operations and initiatives, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming environment. This position may also provide guidance and direction to other staff members as assigned. In a branch setting, this position may serve as the Person-in-Charge (PIC). Supervision and support are provided by the Children’s Services Supervisor.

Pay note: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Equal opportunity: Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you want to make a difference and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Total Compensation Package: See the full benefits described for Position 1. The following are first-year highlights for this role (pro-rated where applicable).

• 11 days of Vacation leave (pro-rated accrual rate)
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover (pro-rated accrual rate)
• 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays (pro-rated)
• 100% County paid Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D
• Participation in Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (vesting after 10 years, with eligible prior service credit)
• Work/Life balance programs and Tuition Reimbursement
• Other employee-paid benefits as listed above

Responsibilities:

• Under direction, develop and present innovative age-appropriate programs for children and outreach activities
• Maintain knowledge of the children's collection and current literature
• Participate in implementation of system-wide programs, events and outreach for children
• Assist patrons with reference questions, readers' advisory, and computer/information sources
• Perform basic bibliographic searches related to inter-library loan requests and reserves
• Explain FCPL policies and train patrons on library resources
• Assist with branch collection maintenance
• Plan and implement marketing activities to communicate library value
• Engage with the community to promote the library
• Establish partnerships with community entities; prepare displays and programs to promote reading
• Recommend materials for acquisition or withdrawal
• Participate in department, branch, and system-wide work teams; attend workshops
• May perform Notary Public duties and other related tasks
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications / Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university
• Minimum 6 months of work experience with children birth to 5th grade (internships may be considered)
• Minimum 1 year of customer service experience in a high-traffic setting

• Ability to obtain and maintain Library Associate certification within 2 years of hire
• Knowledge of public library practices, children's literature, and research techniques
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, devices, and downloadable materials
• Ability to use social media effectively for customer engagement
• Ability to develop and conduct age-appropriate programs and engage with children, parents and caregivers
• Ability to use FCPL systems and the Internet and provide instruction to patrons
• Willingness to learn emerging technologies and STEM tools in programming
• Ability to create and market high-quality programming under deadlines
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• Creative, flexible, positive, and good judgment; effective problem-solving
• Ability to build relationships with patrons, co-workers, and the public; with children in particular
• Ability to partner with community organizations, businesses, schools
• Strong spoken and written English communication skills
• Notary certification (may be required within 90 days of hire)

Preferred: Six months or more of recent library experience; one year of program development for children; additional customer service experience; FCPL employee status

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Constantly reach; frequently walk; occasionally sit, stoop; lift up to 20 pounds
• Primarily indoor work; outdoor activities during outreach programs, in hot or cold conditions and uneven terrain
• Must have own transportation to meetings/workshops and branch libraries as needed
• Available for varied workdays and hours within FCPL operating schedule

Kinds of Examination (may include):

1. Evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. Pre-employment fingerprint-supported background investigation