Saint Paul Public Libraries is hiring a Community Specialist to focus on serving the Karen community. This is an exciting opportunity to provide services to patrons of the libraries and build connections with community members.
Here is what you can expect to do:
- Performs intermediate level technical work promoting library services to targeted communities of color including immigrant communities.
- Facilitates and delivers library services with a focus on programs that contribute to children’s advocacy development and school readiness as well as programs for adults such as job searching and digital literacy.
- Provides direct services in English and Karen such as leading English language learning, providing translation and interpretation services, and delivering providing cultural competency training to Saint Paul Public Library Staff and the public.
- Improves the effectiveness of Library communication with communities of color by developing and maintaining key contacts within the Communities.
- Hosts in person Karen story times in, facilitates digital literacy classes, and provides library information and resources to the community.
- Coordinates multiple programs and collaborates with other Library Community Services Specialists.
- Serves as an internal consultant regarding specific communities of color to Saint Paul Library staff.
For more information and essential functions, see our Cultural Liaison Job Description.
Information Specific to this Position:
Candidates for this full time vacancy should be able to communicate fluently in Karen and demonstrate cultural competency with the Karen community represented in St. Paul.
Ideal candidates should have general background in community engagement, understanding of the immigrant and refugee experience or paths to citizenship, and ability to work with culturally diverse communities. The flexible and mobile nature of this role may include working at and traveling to multiple library locations and community partner locations, such as local schools. This position also requires working a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements:
Must meet one of the following, as designated in the job announcement:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- Two years of college (60 semester credits) and two years of reference and referral library services experience.
- A Certificate in Urban Library Services or equivalent certification and one year of library services experience.
- Four years of experience in a social service agency providing direct client service and one year of library services experience.
- Four years of experience in a social service agency providing direct client service plus 12 college semester credits.
If applying for a position delivering services in a language other than English, must read and write fluently in the respective language.
Possessing a valid Minnesota Class D Driver’s License or equivalent out-of-state driver’s license is preferred.
How to Apply:
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload or submit the following required document(s) via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A copy of your resume (required),
- A copy of your certificate in Urban Library Services (if applicable),
- A copy of your proof of education (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), if required to meet the minimum qualifications.
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process:
Assessment: Qualifications Rating
The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.
Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered.
Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position will require a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Diane Turnbull at 651-266-6506
Email: diane.turnbull@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Working Title: Community Services Specialist – Fluency in Karen Language
Official Title: Cultural Liaison