Library Assistant - Passport Agent

Job Description:

Library Assistant - Passport Agent

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, bend, walk and reach heights of six (6) feet.
• Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to push loaded book truck up to three hundred (300) pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.

Notes to Applicants
The Library Assistant - Passport Services will lead the daily operations of a Passport Services Office at one of four of the Austin Public Library locations with the following duties:

• Become a trained and certified US Passport Acceptance Agent.
• Become a trained and certified Texas Notary Public
• Fully execute passport applications including photo services.
• Provide information and assistance to Passport Services Office customers on the phone, via email, and in person.
• Work collaboratively with and train employees in the Passport Services Office and other involved units.
• Maintain, store, and reorder necessary forms and supplies.
• Collect, document and reconcile all applicable fees.
• Comply with all pertinent federal regulations regarding Passport Acceptance Facilities.
• Due to federal mandate, the selected applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.

Certified US Passport Acceptance Agent: If a candidate is hired without the necessary certification, the department will arrange for training to acquire this certification.

Certified Texas Notary Public: If a candidate is hired without the necessary certification, the department will arrange for training to acquire this certification.

PASSPORT SERVICES LOCATIONS :

Central Library
710 Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78701
Sunday - Saturday operations

Ruiz Branch
1600 Grove Blvd.
Austin, TX 78741
Sunday - Saturday operations

Spicewood Springs Branch
8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78759
Sunday - Saturday operations

Recycled Reads Bookstore
5335 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78756
Tuesday - Saturday operations

Visit The Austin Public Library for library operational hours per location.

Application Instructions:

• A detailed and complete job application is REQUIRED and helps us evaluate your qualifications. In completing your job application, please be sure to provide a COMPLETE employment history regarding any relevant experience that you would like for us to consider. This information will also be used to determine base pay in the event that you are selected for this position. NOTE : A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application.
• Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
• Candidates who progress from the phone interview will be required to complete two (2) assessments; one to measure writing skills and the other to measure oral/presentation skills.

Additional Information:

• TRAVEL : If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.
• Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.
• This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.

IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE :

• Verification of the minimum qualifications ( Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. ) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute.

VETERAN :

• Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214.

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.
Pay Range
$22.22 - $24.77

Hours
Regular (40) hours per week.

• Days and hours vary according to work location and business needs, see “Notes to Applicants.”
• The schedule will involve regular nights and some weekends.

Note: Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; evenings and weekends may be required.
Job Close Date 01/22/2025 Type of Posting External Department Austin Public Library Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Clerical Location Multiple locations: See "Notes to Applicants." Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Certified Passport Acceptance Agent, or the ability to complete certification training within six (6) months of hire.
• Certified Texas Notary Public, or the ability to complete certification training within six (6) months of hire.
• Experience processing government or legal documents.
• Experience resolving complex customer service issues.
• Experience handling, reporting, and reconciling funds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, American Sign Language, or other world languages.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Inputs library patron information into library automation system or other databases and monitors information input by other staff members. Performs clerical activities such as answering telephones, sorting mail, filing, typing, and photocopying and mailing out materials. Develops work schedules and monitors timesheets and payroll for administrative and volunteer staff. Handles, reports, and reconciles library funds. Assists librarians in the maintenance of collection of books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual and other materials; customer services; and research needs. Sorts books, publications, and other items according to established procedures and return them to shelves, files, or other designated areas. Troubleshoots basic computer, printer, and copying equipment problems that arise. Acts as a liaison with Library vendors, delivery services and maintenance. Instructs and assists staff and the public with using reference sources, automated information sources, software, and the internet. Explains and enforces library policies and procedures to the public and staff. Answers routine inquiries and refers patrons in need of professional assistance to librarians. Locates library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, audio tapes, Braille volumes, and pictures.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of money handling and accounting practices.
• Knowledge of books, electronic databases, internet resources, bibliographies and reference materials.
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in customer service principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to assist library patrons and other staff.
• Ability to provide high-level customer service.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to review materials to ensure accuracy, completeness and adherence to established formats and procedures.
• Ability to use library automation and the internet.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position include graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus one (1) year of experience in a related field. Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* For the Library Assistant - Passport Services position, it is necessary to become a Certified Passport Acceptance Agent. In order to become a certified Passport Acceptance Agent, it is a condition of the U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE - BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS to require all agents be US citizens. Are you a US Citizen, or if selected for the position, do you have the ability to obtain US Citizenship by your hire date?

• yes
• no

* This position will require that you must be able to stoop, bend, walk and reach heights of six (6) feet; must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds; and, must be able to push loaded book truck up to three hundred pounds. With or without reasonable accommodations, are you able to perform these minimum position requirements?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

* Are you a certified US Passport Acceptance Agent, or have the ability to complete certification training within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a certified Texas Notary Public, or can you complete the certification training within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes
• No

* Are you able to work nights and weekends?

• Yes
• No

* Are you bilingual or multilingual with the ability to effectively communicate in American Sign Language, Spanish, Mandarin, Urdu or other world language as needed by library location?

• Yes
• No

* If you are bilingual or multilingual, please list the languages you speak and your fluency level with each language. If you are not bilingual, or multilingual, please list “N/A.”
(Open Ended Question)
* Briefly describe your customer and public interaction skills and experience.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience leading and training others.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience working with legal/confidential documents.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience handing, reporting, and reconciling funds.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* My job application is detailed and complete, and I understand that if I am selected as the top candidate for this particular job, my salary will be determined based on the experience submitted on my job application.

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents