Substitute Library Assistants - Grays Harbor and Pacific Job at Timberland Regio

Substitute Library Assistants - Grays Harbor and Pacific

Timberland Regional Library is seeking Substitute Library Assistants for Pacific County and Grays Harbor County. Under direct supervision, the Substitute Library Assistant helps create a welcoming space for our patrons by providing excellent customer service, technology help, checking books in and out, and other general tasks in support of community library operations. This role reports to a Library Supervisor as part of a service-oriented team. The position is a non-represented substitute position used to help cover regular staff absences and is not eligible for benefits.

Schedule and Compensation

• Maximum of 16 hours per week.
• Substitute, non‑benefited position.
• Bargaining Unit: Not represented.
• Starting Pay: Step 1, $24.38 per hour.

Selection Procedure

Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications. Successful applicants will be notified for interviews; applications are kept on file for up to 6 months, after which candidates must reapply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes, sorts, organizes, and shelves library materials; assists with maintenance of library collections.
• Performs circulation duties including checking books in/out, processing hold requests, handling fees, and processing library card applications.
• Provides customer service to library patrons in‑person, by telephone, or electronically; responds to general and reference inquiries and conducts reference interviews.
• Educates and advises patrons in the use of library computers and equipment; provides troubleshooting assistance.
• Explains library rules, policies, and procedures and resolves patron issues; may refer patrons to other departments.
• Maintains assigned library display areas.
• Performs opening/closing duties and assists in maintaining library facilities and equipment.
• Acts as person in charge in the absence of a supervisor.
• Performs clerical duties including data entry, preparing reports, processing mail, and ordering supplies.
• Provides assistance in monitoring volunteer and community service workers; may provide training and guidance to new personnel.
• Participates in library programs, recommends programming, assists with community outreach.
• Participates on local and district‑wide committees and performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

High School diploma or equivalency preferred. Two years of customer service, including one year of library experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Pass and maintain a criminal background check.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and adapt to schedule changes on short notice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic library terminology, practices, services, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to process and shelve library materials.
• Proficiency with general office equipment and standard computer software applications.
• Customer‑service standards and procedures.
• General clerical library functions.
• Providing backup assistance and basic circulation desk duties.
• Numerical and alphabetical filing.
• Maintaining assigned library materials and equipment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, patrons, and the general public.
• Reader advisory and reference methods and techniques.
• Conducting circulation, reader advisory, and reference activities.
• Utilizing library computer systems and databases.
• Community library operations, programs, and services.

Required Skills

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal staff, outside organizations, and the general public.
• Positively reflecting TRL's mission, vision, and values to staff and public.
• Effective organizational and time‑management skills; ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated quality customer service.
• Reliability, dependability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.
• Positive attitude and flexibility.
• Team‑orientation and respect.

Required Technology Skills

• Use of office equipment, including PCs and related software packages.
• Keyboard and alphanumeric data entry skills.
• PC navigation skills in a Windows‑based environment; ability to connect and print.
• Ability to navigate, search, and use web functions and software applications.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) for job responsibilities.

Desired Technology Skills

• SharePoint.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

• Work performed in a standard office and library environment with regular public contact.
• Occupational requirements: sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to push/pull library carts and lift/carry materials.
• May encounter potentially intimidating or untoward members of the public.

About Timberland Regional Library

Timberland Regional Library is an intercounty public library system serving more than 550,000 residents through 29 community libraries and one cooperative library center. Our mission is to connect our diverse community to ideas, experiences, and each other.