The temporary summer assistant role is a 10-week, 20-hours per week temporary position. To prevent summer learning loss, the Youth Outreach Summer Assistant will extend the reach of the Summer Reading Program by facilitating outreach and learning activities at locations such as parks, summer camps, shelters, hospitals, and community events. A major component of this role is supporting Pop In at the Park, an annual outreach series that takes place in public parks across Kansas City 4 days/week. 

Schedule

Tuesday - Friday: 9 am - 1 pm or 1 pm - 6 pm; both with occasional Saturday hours. The exact schedule would be determined between the supervisor and employee at the time of hire. 

Job Duties (Essential Functions)

1. Register children and families for the Summer Reading Program by entering data into the online summer reading platform. 
2. Assist with meal distribution, including the maintenance of accurate records.  
3. Facilitate outreach programs with the youth services staff by planning, setting up for, and leading STEAM and other hands-on learning programs to various group sizes at indoor and outdoor locations as well as on the bookmobile. 
4. Provide information and resources to increase awareness of the Kansas City Public Library and connect children, youth and families to relevant library programs and services. 
5. Engage children, teens, and families in conversations about their reading and summer learning activities. Describe and recommend titles from our Summer Reading selection based on children’s reading interests and abilities.  
6. Set up and tear down Pop In at the Park activities and equipment, load and unload books and supplies from library vehicle, and maintain an organized supply area in the library workspace.  
7. Prepare activity supplies in advance of programs, create and/or adapt activity documentation as needed, and brainstorm additional activity ideas for specific audiences based on learning and feedback.  
8. Assemble take-home activity kits for distribution at partner locations and events. 
9. Assist with the Library’s annual patron demographic survey by staffing a table at a branch and engaging patrons on May 29th.  

1. Must be at least 18 years of age to operate the Automated Materials Handler
2. Ability to meet and serve the public, working effectively with patrons.  
3. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues and the public. 
4. Basic computer skills with a willingness to learn and keep current with emerging technologies. 
5. Ability to speak and understand English is required. Additional consideration may be given to individuals that are fluent in any non-English languages spoken in the Kansas City area including Somali, Swahili, Spanish, Arabic, French, Dari, Pashto, and Vietnamese.
6. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds on a daily basis as part of preparing materials, including loading and unloading the van, and setting up tables, chairs, and activities at events and programming locations. 
7. Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle. 
8. Ability to work outdoors in variable summer weather conditions for up to four consecutive hours. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working/volunteering with children and teens 
• Interest in community outreach and engagement  

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Library’s Truman Road Facility and throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office/warehouse environment, other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

How to Apply

For your application to be considered, please apply for this position through our web application system. Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.