Librarian II (HCPL at Memorial Assistance Ministries)

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.

Provides library outreach services, programs, and resources primarily outside library walls at partner facilities and community locations throughout Harris County. Develops, promotes, implements, and evaluates all-age library programs, outreach services, and special events. Identifies community needs; supports remote collections, provides reference, reader’s advisory, and circulation assistance; and maintains strong partnerships as a vital part of HCPL’s Programs, Partnerships, and Outreach Division.

• Develops, facilitates, and delivers off-site library programs and services at community centers, residential facilities, partner sites, and other community locations throughout Harris County
• Plans, coordinates, promotes, implements, and evaluates all-age library programs, outreach services, summer reading activities, and special events
• Identifies community information needs and develops programs, services, and resources to meet those needs
• Builds and maintains cooperative relationships with schools, youth organizations, residential facilities, community centers, local organizations, and other community partners
• Attends outreach events to promote HCPL services, programs, and resources to Harris County community members, partners, and stakeholders
• Delivers in-person and virtual presentations to community partners, local organizations, and the public to promote library services, programs, and resources
• Curates, maintains, and supports remote collections, displays, and library materials at partner facilities, including providing circulation assistance as needed
• Provides reader’s advisory, reference assistance, and general library service support to patrons in off-site and outreach settings
• Collects photographs, videos, and other new content assets at outreach events and programs in accordance with established procedures
• Reviews and evaluates existing programs and services; recommends improvements to procedures, service delivery, and program effectiveness
• Evaluates and applies knowledge of current library trends, community engagement practices, and all-age programming to improve outreach services and programs
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, activities, professional conferences, and related events; actively participates in committees and workgroups
• Performs other duties as assigned

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426-0/hrt-clerical-skills-test

Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.

• Master Degree in Library Science from an accredited university or college
• Consideration will be given to individuals currently pursuing a master’s degree in Library Science and will be completing the degree within the next four (4) months
• Proof of completion of the degree will be required for permanent status in the position
• One (1) year of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
• One (1) year of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment

OR

• Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
• Two (2) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment

OR

• Associate's degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
• Four (4) years of full-time customer service experience showing empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
• Four (4) years of full-time experience designing, planning, and making educational activities for a variety of ages in a learning environment

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application
• Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy

• 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, bending, and standing for periods at a time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Branch Manager and Assistant Branch Manager
• Supervises Positions: None

Work Location:

• HCPL at Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) Library - 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080

• Experience working with all age groups (preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

General Information

Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx/jobs/998426-0/hrt-clerical-skills-test

Click the above link to the HRRM Clerical Skills Test registration page

Click on "Apply" to submit your request for testing

You will receive a test invitation and instructions via e-mail within 48 hours

You will have no more than 5 calendar days to access and complete testing

Your score will be automatically uploaded to your application

The test may be taken once every 30 days

Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

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

• Principles and practices of professional library work, including modern library methods, practices,
• techniques, and terminology
• Theory and philosophy of librarianship
• Policies, procedures, and functions of the library system
• Principles of administration, organization, management, budget, personnel administration, and
• public relations
• Establish and implement goals and objectives for the Library
• Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
• Analyze and respond to community needs and requests
• Excel in customer service skills of empathy, good communication, and problem-solving
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse
• environment
• Skill in self-discipline, dependability, and ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with modern technology and equipment
• Proficient with the Internet, MS Office Suite, and Office 365
• Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and digital devices
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers and common decimals
• Must use your personal mobile device for our 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.

• $24.91 Per Hour
• Paid Biweekly

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

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

www.benefitsathctx.com