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Program Assistant - Jail & Prison Services

**Department:** Branch Libraries

**Employment Type:** Part Time

**Location:** Andrew Heiskell Library

**Reporting To:** Emily Jacobson

**Compensation:** $28.00 / hour

Description

Overview

The Jail & Prison Services team, under Branch Libraries & Patron Services, serves New Yorkers affected by incarceration by providing books and other programs that inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. Jail & Prison Services programming aligns with the strategic priorities of being a home for readers of all ages and a catalyst for the creation of new knowledge. The Jail & Prison Services Program Assistant will answer letters from incarcerated patrons in support of the Reference by Mail service. The Program Assistant will liaise with volunteers and students also answering letters, to support the workflow of the service. They will assist with finding ways to streamline and improve the service overall.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Supervising Librarian, the Program Assistant:

+ Regularly answers letters from incarcerated patrons in support of the Reference by Mail service

+ Liaise with volunteers and students also answering letters, to support the workflow of the service

+ Assist with finding ways to streamline and improve the service overall

+ Assist with the creation and distribution of materials to staff answering Reference-by-Mail letters, such as guidelines, rules, ready responses, etc.

+ Occasionally assists with the preparation and delivery of JPS programs and projects including the _Connections_ reentry guidebook

+ Attends relevant NYPL staff development activities and training

+ Performs other related duties as expected

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

+ Bachelor’s degree

Required Experience

+ Experience in an office and/or library setting

+ Experience working with people impacted by incarceration preferred

Required Skills

+ Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

+ Attention to detail

+ Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices

More...

Core Values

_All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:_

+ Be **Helpful** to patrons and colleagues

+ Be **Resourceful** in solving problems

+ Be **Curious** in all aspects of your work

+ Be **Welcoming** and **Inclusive**

Work Environment

+ Office setting

Physical Duties

+ Light lifting required

+ Daily use of a computer

Pre-Placement** **Physical Required?

No

Union/Non Union

Non-Union

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Schedule

17 hours per week to be scheduled per departmental needs during the hours of 9-5 Monday-Friday

_This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed._

_The New York Public Library_** **_Salary Statement_

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).