Children's Specialist na Halifax Public Libraries

Halifax Public Libraries invites INTERNAL and EXTERNAL applications for the full-time, permanent, Children's Specialist position located at Halifax Central Library.

This is a unionized position. Preference will be given to internal applicants from the NSUPE Local 14 bargaining unit. 

Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs. 

ABOUT THE BRANCH
Halifax Central Library blends the best of traditional library services with new technology and innovative spaces, making it a vital center for learning and culture. Thousands of people visit us each day to enjoy a performance or lecture, engage with each other in lively debate, or simply to relax and appreciate a great book. People of all ages and backgrounds gather in this vibrant space.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Children's Specialist, you will: 

• Plan, deliver and evaluate children’s programs and events – for the branch, district, and/or region. Children’s programming includes performance based elements such as puppetry, music and storytelling.
• Facilitate diverse social, recreational and learning experiences for children
• Work to actively engage children in the library in formal and informal ways
• Build relationships and maintain community partnerships
• Participate in hiring public service staff 
• Train and support staff in children’s programming 
• Assist with the supervision of volunteers
• Provide guidance to Services Advisors and other staff in the area of specialization
• Act as a resource in the area of children’s programming and service approaches
• Support regional projects and initiatives and participate on regional teams
• Act as Person in Charge in library branch(es)
• Provide customer service
• Display, promote, and perform work duties in a positive and safe way and displays safety awareness at all times.
• Support and show leadership by working to health and safety standards, follow health and safety policies and procedures and encourage colleagues to work to the same standards by reporting incidents, hazardous conditions and improvement possibilities.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree & two (2) years of related experience

OR 

• Two (2) years of Post-Secondary & four (4) years of related experience

OR 

• Completion of Grade Twelve (12) or equivalent & six (6) years of related experience

Specific Knowledge & Technical Experience: 

Required:

• Read and write English 
• Excellent communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills 
• Customer service skills 
• Public speaking and presentation skills 
• Demonstrated ability to provide instruction and training 
• Experience in program planning, delivery and evaluation for children
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of literature, media and resources of interest to children
• Knowledge of best practices in Information and Readers’ Advisory services or Information and Referral services
• Experience working with diverse communities 
• Basic computer knowledge and skills including:
  • Functions of a web browser 
  • Microsoft office applications 
  • Social media applications
• Intermediate technology skills:
  • Willingness to learn and experiment with additional tools and technologies
  • Willingness to support others in learning technical skills and concepts

Assets:

• Knowledge of related groups, organizations and services.
• Fluency in a second language 
• Facilitation skills

TRAVEL

The position requires occasional travel between our various library branches and community sites within the Halifax Regional Municipality. 

$31.24 - $35.52

Permanent

Full Time

Community is at the heart of all that Halifax Public Libraries undertakes. Comprised of 14 branch libraries, we serve the 400,000 citizens of Halifax with our collection of 1 million items and a wide range of programming. Halifax Public Libraries blends the best of traditional library services with innovative programs, spaces and technologies, attracting more than 3 million in-person visits each year.

Halifax Public Libraries hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an interview or other form of testing and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs when contacted for an interview and/or testing.

Week 1 & 2

Tuesday 9-5
Wednesday 1-9
Thursday 9-5
Friday 9-5
Saturday 9-5

Central library

Halifax Central