Harris County, TX

Position Description

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History 

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations

that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their

communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:

This position is responsible for creating and promoting Children's programs in the library, with a focus on Early Literacy and Storytime programs. Provide customer service, reader's advisory, and basic reference services. Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide customer service, reader’s advisory, and basic reference service within and beyond our walls
• Develops and implements Early Literacy and School- Age programs for the community
• Promote library services to all ages in the community
• Collaborate with the branch team to develop, implement, and market programs in the library and community, including summer reading program, early literacy initiatives, family place, and other special events.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with local schools and community organizations
• Develop an engaging and attractive library collection
• Attend staff meetings, activities, and/or professional conferences and actively serve on committees
• Other duties as assigned 

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of program experience (e.g., activities for all children)

OR

• Associates degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university 
• Three (3) years of program experience (e.g., activities for all children)

OR

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalent
• Five (5) years of program experience (e.g., activities for all children)

With

• One (1) year of customer service experience 

PLUS

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application
• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
• Proficient with the Internet and Office 365
• Must use a personal mobile device for the Multifactor Authentication process 

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• Experience working with children's groups (preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-time | Regular
• Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.

Salary:

• $19.53 Per Hour
• Paid Biweekly

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

• This job typically operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• At times, work can be performed in an outdoor environment and possible exposure to
• inclement weather or various temperature changes.
• There could be exposure to dangerous or aggressive/adverse populations.
• Some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending and standing for periods at a time.

Work Location:

• La Porte Branch - 600 South Broadway, La Porte, TX 77571

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance 
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service
• Accrual rates increase based on years of service
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedule (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

https://benefitsathctx.com/

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