Community Resource Specialist

Under immediate supervision of the Community Resources Manager, this position is responsible for identifying and interpreting user needs and providing specialized assistance to vulnerable populations or individuals struggling with poverty, homelessness, and/or life challenges, as well as providing outreach to the local safety net ecosystem and resource sharing to the public and staff.

This is a full-time exempt position with a starting salary of $50,382 plus excellent benefits.

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm.

Note: Occasional evenings & weekends.

Location

Central Library: 14 West 10th Street, KCMO, 64105. 

Job Duties (Essential Functions)

• Functions as a Library expert in supporting patrons in crisis and experiencing life challenges, serving as a resource for Library staff to maintain a welcoming environment for all patrons by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
• At the social work micro level, empathetically engage with patrons, assess where they are at, makes referrals to appropriate agencies, assist patrons with applications and offer necessary resources to patrons who are unhoused or in crisis. 
• Identifies gaps and barriers in the local ecosystem and works in partnership to respond to those service gaps. This includes collaborating to provide culturally responsive technology training to patrons experiencing life challenges.
• Plans, implements, evaluates, and collaborates on safety net information and programming.
• Attends community meetings, tabling events, fairs and other events relating to social services.
• Seeks out, forms, and maintains relationships with the social service community.
• Models solution-focused customer service in line with Customer Service Expectations.
• Partners with interns and branch managers in offering direct referral services for patrons at Library locations.
• Teaches staff and patrons about resources and services related to supporting patrons in crisis.
• Consults with and provides recommendations to the Collection Development Department, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Develops and maintains technology skills required to provide service.
• Other duties and special responsibilities as assigned.

1. Ability to respectfully engage with patrons, especially vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health problems, using a trauma informed approach as well as with awareness of implicit bias.
2. Ability to exhibit patience, cultural sensitivity, and establish boundaries and mutual respect with patrons.
3. Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and positive working relationships with library staff, professionals in other organizations, community groups and community members. 
4. Ability to plan, analyze, carry out projects, consult and offer advice; requires effective communication skills.  
5. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of professional social work in a library environment.
6. Knowledge of social service resources in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, and knowledge of issues and developments in social services and safety net programs and services.
7. Adaptable and flexible, enjoys work that requires frequent shifts in focus; moderate to high stress tolerance, has self-care plan in place; people-oriented, cooperative, collaborative and supportive; thinks well on feet, innovative and willing to leave comfort zone.
8. Intermediate computer skills.

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s in Social Work or related field. 
• 3 - 5 years' experience working in social services.
• The above two requirements can be substituted with a Bachelor's degree in related fields AND 6 - 10 years of experience working with vulnerable populations.
• A passion for working with diverse communities; strong interpersonal skills; person-centered approach, ability to adapt in a flexible environment which changes quickly and provides many opportunities for creative input and new ideas. Experience may substitute for education.
• Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Established relationships with social work community.
• Established proficiency in community referrals.
• Strong understanding of social determinants of health and trauma-informed care.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Library’s Central location and throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office 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

Please apply for this position through our web application system. We only accept applications for specific currently open positions made through our online system. Access the online application from the job listing on the Job Opportunities page. The application system allows you to attach a document (such as a cover letter or a resume) to your application (10MB limit per document). When you submit your application, an acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you provided. You are welcome to apply for as many positions as you wish. However, to minimize problems, close and restart your browser between each application.

All online Application for Employment forms must be completely filled out. For technical assistance, call 816.701.3712.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.