Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Overview
The New York Public Library fulfills a mandate to serve populations including incarcerated New Yorkers, homeless populations, people with special needs, veterans and older adults. The Managing Librarian of the Jail and Prison Services Department manages book loan service at New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, programming at State and Federal Prisons, annual editing and publishing of a reentry resource guide Connections, and works to advance the mission of The New York Public Library by providing access to resources and learning opportunities to people with limited access. A primary responsibility will be to serve currently and formerly incarcerated people, but this librarian will also be expected to identify overlapping services to other populations the Library serves.
We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own :

• Management of outreach initiatives to local jails, prisons and other institutions that assist incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals or groups
• Supervision of Jail and Prison Services team
• Reference By Mail letter-writing service for incarcerated individuals

Teach :

• Best practices to Jail and Prison Services team
• Branch library volunteers when onboarding them for service to jails and prisons
• Attendees at professional conferences and other special events

Learn:

• Best practices for serving diverse high-needs populations
• Departmental funding structures and budgets

Improve :

• Access to as many incarcerated and formerly incarcerated groups and individuals as possible

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month , this person will:

• Learn from team members regarding team initiatives and processes and individual projects
• Visit local jails and prisons

3 months , this person will:

• Become familiar with Jail and Prison Services departmental funding and budgets

6 months and beyond , this person will:

• Make any necessary improvements to departmental workflows
• Become involved in advocacy initiatives at NYPL and with partner departments within other local library systems

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a clear vision and strategic directions for Jail and Prison Services
• Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to research, develop and implement a range of innovative and targeted correctional programs and services that support NYPL’s strategic objectives
• Manage partnerships with government, cultural and community organizations that support programming priorities and help to connect target communities with NYPL services
• Manage the overall planning and development of key Jail and Prison Services initiatives and programs, including on-site lending services at DOC facilities
• Work with Library Managers and branch staff to provide guidance, expertise and support that enables them to best serve patrons in their branches affected by incarceration
• Provide expert advice, maintain up-to-date policies, develop guidelines and ensure that branch staff have access to relevant information that helps them deliver a high standard of Jail and Prison services support
• Evaluate impact and provide analysis and advice that contributes to the ongoing development of programs and services
• Manage all available program resources, develop project budgets, track spending and provide reports as needed
• Performs other assigned duties as necessary

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
• Valid driver’s license

Required Experience

• 1-3 years of experience managing a library or library educational programs and services
• Collection development experience

Required Skills

• Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with diverse groups
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated oral and written communication skills, and the ability to handle detail orientated work
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, monitor budgets, meet deadlines and perform detailed work accurately
• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility and ability to work effectively within different organizational structures
• Excellent project management and leadership skills
• Knowledge of key trends, policy and research related to services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
• Demonstrated library advocacy skills

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision and performance management of Jail and Prison Services team (8.5 FTE)
• Primary coordinator with local jails and prisons to facilitate visits

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

• Departmental office at NYPL
• Department of Corrections facilities

Physical Duties

• Requires bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting/moving 50 pounds and up

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes

• 35 hours a week, Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 (with some variations)

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.

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).

Job Tags

Similar Jobs