JOB INFORMATION

This clerical position performs responsible duties related to all operations of an FCPL circulation desk and the automated circulation system. A significant amount of public contact is involved; therefore courteous, proficient customer relations skills are vital. Direction may be received from the Senior Circulation Clerk; supervision is received from the Circulation Supervisor and/or Branch Administrator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strong and effective customer service, exhibiting patience and courtesy while staffing the circulation desk; set-up and close the circulation desk
• Circulate library materials to the public using the automated circulation system to record all materials charged out and returned
• Add, delete and update information in the patron information database and prepare new library cards
• Collect and record fines, lost book charges, other fees and payments against patrons' accounts in the database
• Count money; prepare daily reconciliation report of fines and fees as assigned
• Manage public meeting room reservations for branch, as needed
• Organize and maintain Inter-Library Loan records for circulation transactions, search shelves for reserved materials and notify patrons when reserved items become available
• Apply bar codes to library materials and add or withdraw items from the FCPL collection database
• Sort books and materials and forward them to appropriate locations
• Answer telephone calls, assist callers and/or refer calls to other persons as appropriate
• Explain FCPL procedures and policies to patrons
• Respond to and resolve patron complaints or misunderstandings; make referral to other staff as appropriate
• Assist with training new Circulation Clerks and other staff as assigned
• Participate in outreach events to promote library services
• Participate in department, branch and system-wide work teams and committees
• Assist patrons with operating the photocopier, self check-out machines and other FCPL equipment
• May require the ability to become a certified Notary for the State of Maryland within 90 days of hire
• May perform duties as a Passport Acceptance Agent, to include executing passport applications
• Attend workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 
  High school graduation, or the equivalent
• Minimum 1 year work experience providing customer service, working directly with the public
• Word processing and/or data entry experience or training, with sufficient skills to effectively access and utilize the FCPL computerized information systems and circulation system.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to learn Library practices and procedures, including the use of the Dewey Decimal System
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to complete routine assignments
• Accurate math and clerical skills with the ability to properly maintain cash records and other operating forms and reports
• Ability to effectively make independent decisions, organize work, determine priorities, and complete assigned work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadline, multi-task and effectively manage time in a busy environment
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, positivity and good judgment
• May perform duties as a Notary Public, to include witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity.
• May require the ability to become certified as a Passport Acceptance Agent from the U.S. Department of State within 180 days of hire and maintain certification.
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers and the general public
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and ability to effectively provide related instruction for all customers and staff in a friendly and respectful manner

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• 6 months or more work experience in a public library and/or an academic or school library
• Additional work experience providing direct customer service to the public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently standing, walking, bending and stooping; lifting up to 20 pounds, reaching and making repetitive motions; and is occasionally pushing up to 40 pounds
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly working indoors
• During outreach programs and events the employee is frequently working outdoors; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule
• Ability to provide own transportation to branch libraries, meetings, trainings, etc. as needed

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

Retirement Plan:
Library regular employees who qualify are required by state law to participate in the Maryland State Teachers' Pension System. For further information go to: http://www.sra.state.md.us/

Other regular Library employees who qualify will participate in a defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Non-Uniformed Plan. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.


Flexible Spending Accounts:
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:
Employees are insurance for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Employee Assistance Program:
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.

Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows:
Years of Service Days per Year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave accrual rate is as follows based on length of employment and the following schedule:
0 - 2 years 10 days
2+ years 12 days
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.