About this role
Community Specialist (EXPRESSION OF INTEREST)
Job Description: Halifax Public Libraries invites INTERNAL and EXTERNAL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST applications for the full-time, term position of Community Specialist located at Alderney Gate Public Library and Dartmouth North Public 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 BRANCHES Alderney Gate Public Library is located on the Dartmouth Waterfront. Bordering a blend of residential buildings, cafes, eateries, and unique boutiques. You can expect to community teas, musical performances, and craft activities taking place in the open space. You will see people sitting, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view of Halifax Harbour. Dartmouth North Public Library is a unique branch serving a vibrant and diverse community. Located in a busy community centre, the library is a regular stopping place for many resident, including children and teens who attend the library independently. We are a lively community space which extends on to an outdoor patio and is filled with activities that support food security, programs and conversations. The branch works closely with many service partners to collectively support out community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES As a Community Specialist at Halifax Public Libraries, you will: • Plan, deliver and evaluate library approaches, programs and services in designated underserved communities • Actively engage with community members and connect them to the library in formal and informal ways • Facilitate diverse social, recreational and learning experiences • Identify community priorities through community engagement and development techniques • Build relationships and maintain partnerships • Participate in hiring public service staff • Train and support public service staff who do community work • Assist with the supervision of volunteers • Provide guidance to Service Advisors and other staff • Act as a resource in the area of community engagement • 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 display 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 and two (2) years of related experience (OR) Two (2) years of Post-Secondary and four (4) years of related experience (OR) Completion of Grade Twelve (12) or equivalent and six (6) years of related experience
(Related experience can come from a number of sources. (i.e., volunteer work, community work, customer service, hospitality, or retail experience.)
Required: • Read and write English • Excellent communication skills • Conflict resolution skills • Customer Service skills • Public speaking and presenting skills • Demonstrated ability to provide instruction and training • Experience in program planning, delivery and evaluation • Experience in community engagement • Public speaking and presentation skills • Experience working in diverse communities • Knowledge of and/or experience working with the designated communities (e.g. African Nova Scotian, Newcomers, Indigenous or geographic) • Basic computer knowledge and skills, including: • Functions of a web browser • Microsoft Office applications • Social media applications
• Intermediate technology skills including: • 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 frequent travel between our various library branches and community sites within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Access to reliable transportation is necessary
Who We Are: 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.
Schedule: Week 1:
Tuesday 12-8 AG Wednesday 11-7 DN Thursday 9-5 DN Friday 9-5 AG Saturday 9-5 DN
Week 2: Tuesday 12-8 AG Wednesday 11-7 DN Thursday 9-5 DN Friday 9-5 AG Saturday 9-5 AG