Job Type

Full-time

Description

Job Close Date: July 28, 2025 @ 9:00am PST

Position Summary

Works directly with patrons needing social service assistance by providing information, support, and referrals to appropriate organizations. Actively connects with library patrons to build ongoing relationships without direct case management. Serves as a resource for library staff. Models effective techniques for working with patrons experiencing mental health, substance abuse, unstable housing, or exclusion issues. Represents JCLS's interests in interactions with area social service agencies, governmental entities, and other relevant organizations. Works with Executive Team, Branch Managers, and Facilities to monitor and improve safety as needed. This position directly supervises, coordinates with, and assigns work to the Resource Specialists housed out of both the Ashland and Medford branches.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify library patrons who may benefit from social service support through outreach, direct observation, or referral by library staff.
• Evaluate patron's identified needs through an intake assessment. Needs may include but are not limited to the following services: housing, mental health, primary care, substance abuse, exclusion, domestic violence, etc.
• Provide current and relevant information, support, referrals, and assistance to patrons experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, unstable housing, or exclusion issues.
• Serve as a resource and model to library staff to work effectively with patrons experiencing life challenges.
• Serve as a resource to library staff regarding community resources for at-risk individuals and families.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contracted security personnel at the Medford branch.
• Connect and build collaborative relationships with community organizations, including attending County Continuum of Care and other meetings.
• Provide consultation to library staff on a daily basis as needed in regard to issues relating to social service needs of patrons.
• Provide consultation and support to the library staff through de-briefing during and/or after an incident with patron(s) has occurred.
• Crisis assistance and intervention in the library as required.
• Identifies and addresses patron behavior that violates JCLS Rules of Conduct, including contacting law enforcement when necessary.
• Supports maintaining public safety with staff and library property at priority level; Assists with managing the Incident Report database and information sharing.
• Initiates, participates, and collaborates with JCLS staff on projects, committees, and trainings.
• Represents JCLS in networking with other agency representatives and at community meetings, as related to the essential duties.
• Serves as a resource for JCLS as a whole on issues relevant to patrons experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, unstable housing, or exclusion issues.
• Supervises the day-to-day operations of the Community Resources Department including standing in for Resource Specialists if one or more need to be absent.
• Oversees the Community Resources Department to achieve the library's operational goals.
• Reads professional literature and maintains working knowledge of latest trends in the field of libraries and the role that social service plays in them.
• Is a member of the Public Services Leadership team and attends meetings as well as collaborates on projects. Also attends other management team meetings.
• Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
• Regular attendance.
• Other duties relevant to position as assigned by supervisor.

Compensation

JCLS has a 16-step salary schedule with each step at 1.5%. The starting salary will be based on steps 1-5 on Grade S of the schedule. New hires are placed based on applicable education and experience to the job, as well as keeping within Oregon state pay equity laws. The starting range for this position is $36.13 to $38.38 per hour or $75,156 to $79,840. Staff members who pass a Spanish language competency test are eligible for a Bilingual Stipend per JCLS policy.

JCLS is an Equal Opportunity employer

Requirements

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possession of an MSW degree.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working with people affected by homelessness, food insecurity and/or poverty.
2. Experience working in a public library setting.
3. Direct supervisory experience of staff, volunteers, or interns.
4. Experience providing direct service to at-risk, marginalized populations.
5. Experience collaborating with law enforcement to develop partnerships and creative solutions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES

• Criminal background check required.
• Must have valid driver's license and required mandatory insurance when operating a privately-owned vehicle for business purposes.
• Must be able to travel to other locations to perform work, and/or attend work-related meetings, workshops or conferences.

Salary Description

$75,156 - $94,132