Children’s Area Supervisor

GREENVILLE COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, NO. 2025-083

FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Youth Services Manager, this position:

• Oversees the operation of the Children’s Area at the Main Library including development and maintenance of the Children’s Area materials collection, and planning and presenting programs and events to children.
• Supervises Children’s Area staff.
• Provides assistance, instruction, and programs to Children’s Area patrons.
• Embodies the Library System’s code of service by creating an atmosphere where customers and employees feel invited, informed, impressed and inspired.
• Performs work in accord with the Library System’s vision and mission, using good judgment and ethical behavior in the application of policies and established procedures.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A. accredited college or university.
• Three years of progressive professional library experience, one of which must have been at the supervisory level.
• Considerable experience working with children in a library or formal learning environment.
• Certified or eligible for certification by the South Carolina State Library.
• Other combinations of experience and training that meet the minimum requirements may be considered.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the ability to:

• concentrate for long periods of time
• speak clearly and distinctly
• hear and/or comprehend verbal communication
• see and interpret all job-related materials
• operate library equipment as assigned
• lift up and carry to 40 pounds for a distance of 300 feet
• push book carts weighing over 100 pounds
• move, setup, fold, and stack tables and chairs
• sit for long periods of time
• stand for long periods of time
• walk, bend and stoop
• reach, grasp and use hands to touch, handle, or feel
• type on an ongoing basis for long periods of time, using both hands
• tolerate low levels of dust and mold associated with working books and other library materials

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).

• Provides assistance in reference, reader’s advisory, referral, and circulation services to Children’s Area users. (E)
• Assigns, instructs, directs and supervises staff. (E)
• Participates in the interviewing of applicants for staff positions and makes recommendations for selecting new employees. (E)
• Provides training for subordinates; reviews performance of subordinates, and makes recommendations for improvement/growth as appropriate. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and regulations. (E)
• Prepares staff schedules, records attendance/schedule change requests, approves leave requests and timesheets, and requests supplemental coverage as needed. (E)
• Makes recommendations to Youth Services Manager regarding the development and maintenance of the Children’s Area collection; weeds collection based on condition, timeliness, and use. (E)
• Assists in planning improvements in Youth Services, including budget recommendations, formulation of goals and objectives, evaluation and implementation of best practices in child development and program presentation. (E)
• Plans, organizes, schedules, and implements programs with emphasis on children ages birth through sixth grade and their caregivers. (E)
• Coordinates and dispatches program substitutes as needed to maintain previously scheduled system wide programming. (E)
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local schools, agencies, and organizations. (E)
• Ensures safety in the Children’s Area and coordinates maintenance and repair requests for the Children’s Area. (E)
• Creates and proofs signage and flyers for all Children’s Area programs using the Style Guide and Editable Sign Templates provided by the Communications department.
• Reviews and studies professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science, especially related to Children’s Services. (E)
• Answers questions on Library System operations, policies, and procedures. (E)
• Handles problems and complaints related to the Children’s Area. (E)
• Provides oversight and staff assistance with circulation policies and procedures. (E)
• Assists in evaluation of children’s materials that are subject to patron request for reconsideration or that otherwise require reevaluation. (E)
• Works with Volunteer Coordinator to train, schedule, and supervise work of volunteers in the unit as appropriate. (E)
• Manages and operates library equipment, including personal computers, telecommunications equipment, photocopier and audiovisual equipment. Provides instruction and demonstrates use as needed. (E)
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit. (E)
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance and remains compliant with the Library System’s Attendance Guidelines. (E)
• Performs other related duties as required, including those of any staff member in the unit.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of children’s literature and child development.
• Knowledge of STEM activities.
• Thorough knowledge of modern library principles and major fields of learning.
• Knowledge of library computer systems and applications, online databases, office software, email, and mobile devices.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to plan and execute engaging, age appropriate children’s programs.
• Ability to learn and enforce the Library System’s policies, procedures, and regulations to customers and employees.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer records and other identifiable customer uses of Library System resources and services, security-related incidents, and personnel issues.
• Ability to effectively exercise discretion, independent judgment, and critical thinking to resolve staff, patron, and operational problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to deal with difficult individuals in unusual situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in or
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct a complete program of Library activities.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others and provide coaching, training, and disciplinary actions, as needed.
• Ability to provide adequate instruction and directions to subordinates.
• Ability to work under frequently stressful conditions and meet required deadlines.
• Good personal computing skills, including effective use of word processing and spreadsheet programs, various Internet browsers and email.
• Skilled in the operation and care of computer equipment and barcode equipment.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in oral, written, and electronic forms.
• Preferred: Bilingual – English/Spanish skills.
• Preferred: Touch typing skills.

Characteristics:

• Enjoys interacting with people and possesses a strong commitment to providing an exemplary customer experience.
• Enjoys working in a leadership role, providing direction and guidance to staff.
• Establishes rapport with others in person and on the telephone, and maintains effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, and volunteers.
• Is ethical, approachable, trustworthy, and apolitical.
• Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Follows established procedures and instructions received from supervisor.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Values technology as a tool, staying on top of technology trends.
• Recognizes change as an ongoing opportunity for growth.
• Performs routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.
• Is receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embraces continuous improvement.
• Takes ownership of work, does what is needed without being asked, and follows through until task is resolved.
• Arrives on time, works hours as scheduled, and maintains a good attendance record.