Librarian I - Bibiloteca Criolla

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Librarian

DEPARTMENT: Bibiloteca Criolla

LOCATION: Priscilla Gardner Main

REPORTS TO: Department Manager

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Librarian I

BENEFIT SUMMARY: This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Full-Time Employees: Medical coverage 60 days from the first day of employment, Prescription coverage is the first of the month following 60 days of employment at no cost to the employee and additional cost per each dependent added. Dental coverage is provided at no cost 60 days after the first day of employment. Vision coverage is provided at no cost and reimbursed at $250.00 per year. Additional Full-Time benefits include Life & AD&D insurance, 403b, Participation in pension plan (dependent on age at the time of hire date). Part-Time Employee benefits include participation in pension plan and sick/vacation leave. A more detailed summary can be found on our Employment Opportunities page located at

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $62,395 - $67,085 per year

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

WORKWEEK: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (35 hours/week). Evenings and weekends will be scheduled as needed.

About the Biblioteca Criolla Department

The Biblioteca Criolla Department of the Jersey City Free Public Library is a dynamic cultural and literary center dedicated to serving the Spanish-speaking community by offering bilingual resources, Spanish-language collections, and culturally enriching programs. Located within the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, the department hosts a variety of engaging events such as Latinx author talks, bilingual storytimes, cultural celebrations, educational workshops, and community awareness series , all designed to celebrate and preserve Latinx heritage while promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

About the Position

The Jersey City Free Public Library is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic entry-level Librarian to join our team, focusing on youth and adult services with a special emphasis on Spanish language resources. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse community members by providing exceptional library services, programming, and support in both English and Spanish. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fostering literacy, learning, and a love for reading across age groups, while utilizing their bilingual skills to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for Spanish-speaking patrons.

The incumbent in this role will assist in developing and facilitating programs, creating and maintaining collections, and offering one-on-one support to library users. You will collaborate with colleagues to enhance library services, focusing on the needs of both youth and adult Spanish-speaking populations. A commitment to cultural sensitivity, excellent communication, and the ability to create engaging library experiences for a wide audience is essential.

JOB DUTIES:

· Develop and present library programming for ages 0-18; create displays and informational materials to highlight book collections or services; collaborate with engagement/outreach departments on programs; ability to build relationships with local organizations to support library goals
· Assist patrons at the circulation desk or with technology; answer reference questions and provide research services; conduct readers’ advisory; perform circulation tasks using SIRSI; assist in material selection
· Foster and maintain a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work environment; mentor newer staff members
· Plan, develop, and implement library programs at the library and/or off-site; share program information with Communications team, including photos, blurbs, booklists, etc.
· Contribute to tasks and projects; track and review work progress and activities; provide feedback on policies and procedures and relay them to other staff members
· Promote good customer service, including some public speaking involving tours and teaching library skills to small groups; effectively handle patron complaints; develop and maintain a positive, helpful and professional approach to the overall community as well as individual library customers; improve ADA accessibility (physical and digital access)
· Network and collaborate with Outreach Services, educational entities, City departments, and other service agencies to promote services, activities, and goals of the library; attend meetings and serve on committees as needed; stay up to date on trends and innovations in the fields of library and educational services.
· Perform other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication/Collaboration

• Communicates effectively using a variety of methods
• Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals
• Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes
• Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors
• Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs

Customer Service

• Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience
• Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service
• Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction
• Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff
• Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service

Professional Development

• Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge
• Uses creative and innovative approaches
• Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library
• Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning

Community Engagement

• Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services
• Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders
• Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations
• Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services

Technology

• Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management
• Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions
• Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.
• A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science in a library program accredited by the American Library Association or from a New Jersey college Master’s program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison College.

PERFERED RELEVANT SKILLS:

• Design and implement culturally relevant programs, events, and workshops that highlight Latino arts and culture.
• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Read and write Spanish effectively to communicate with diverse communities

NOTES:

For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.

This vacancy is associated with a New Jersey Civil Service job title. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act and not available for work visa sponsorship.