Library Assistant 2 – Safety

Do you want to work where you can enrich the lives of the people in your community? The Urbana Free Library seeks a service-oriented and self-motivated individual for its Library Assistant 2 – Safety position. Safety duties include engaging with patrons and staff, de-escalating behavioral disruptions, and responding to emergencies. This individual will work at the Library’s service desks, providing excellent information and notary service to patrons. The ideal candidate should have experience in public service or safety and a demonstrated history of successfully navigating complex social situations.  If you are a friendly, energetic, and dependable person who would enjoy working in a community-centered environment, the Library invites you to apply.

The Library Assistant 2 – Safety works independently to maintain a safe and pleasant environment in the Library for the benefit of all Library patrons and staff, and serves as the primary point person for behavioral disruptions, including emergencies. This person helps to de-escalate situations quickly and minimizes disruptive behavior in accordance with the Library’s policies and procedures. Duties require extensive public interaction. The Library Assistant 2 – Safety provides appropriate follow-up and documentation of Library incidents, and also performs all duties of the Library Assistant 2 – Patron Services. The Library Assistant 2 – Safety reports to the Patron Service Manager.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has a strong commitment to excellent public service and is friendly, energetic, and adaptable.
• Has excellent organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
• Has the ability to de-escalate emotionally charged situations.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum requirements include:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Previous customer service or public service experience.
• One year continuous, successful work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in social work or public safety preferred.
• Experience with mental health first aid and trauma-informed practices preferred.
• Experience with and knowledge of social work and social services available in the Urbana-Champaign area preferred.
• Experience working in or with public libraries preferred.