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- Tasks: Provide excellent customer service and support library staff across all branches.
- Company: Cambridge Public Library, a welcoming community hub since 1889.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, diverse work environment, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Join a team that empowers the community and inspires minds every day.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and a positive attitude are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for students seeking part-time work with a meaningful impact.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
ABOUT THE LIBRARY: At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.
ABOUT THE ROLE: Reporting to Library Administration, Senior Substitutes provide outstanding customer service to members of the public and support to library staff through shift coverage at the Main Library and all branches.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches of the Library.
- Perform functions related to circulation: check-outs, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and similar related tasks.
- Provide outstanding and engaging customer service to the public and colleagues.
- Assist patrons in locating books and materials and using library resources, referring them to other staff members as needed.
- Shelve materials and read shelves.
- Process deliveries; move and unload bins and check in items.
- Monitor public areas of the library; communicate and apply library policies and procedures.
- Any other duties required for the good of the library.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience: High school diploma or high school equivalency required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability and willingness to be a strong team player and treat colleagues with courtesy and respect
- Ability to exhibit a positive attitude in all situations
- Ability to handle the unexpected and stay calm and professional under pressure
- Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly
- Tact. Patience. Maturity.
The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor's degree or coursework beyond the high school level is desirable. Fluency in a language in addition to English and prior library experience is desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The job occurs primarily in library locations. Works in assigned area, including public spaces, office areas, work rooms, and training rooms as needed. May be exposed to moderate to high levels of noise, stress, and frequent interruptions.
SCHEDULE: This is a substitute position without regular hours. Average of 10 hours per week within the following hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9, Friday 8:30-6, and Saturday 8:30-5. Shifts and total hours will vary week-to-week based on operational needs. Candidates must be very flexible and able to work at all library locations.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Please upload the below documents to complete your application: Resume, Cover Letter.
Senior Substitute (Intermittent) in Cambridge employer: Kinsley Power Systems
Contact Detail:
Kinsley Power Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Substitute (Intermittent) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the library! Before your interview, take some time to visit the Cambridge Public Library and its branches. Familiarise yourself with the layout, services, and staff. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing outstanding service, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer. We want to hear those stories during your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! As a Senior Substitute, you’ll need to be prepared for anything. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and handle unexpected situations. Share how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and familiar with the library’s resources. Don’t forget to upload a tailored resume and cover letter that reflect your passion for community service!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Substitute (Intermittent) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Libraries: When writing your application, let your love for libraries shine through! Share any experiences you've had that highlight your enthusiasm for helping others and supporting community learning.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for this role. Mention specific skills from the job description, like customer service and teamwork, and how they relate to your past experiences. We want to see how you fit into our library family!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your resume and cover letter straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We appreciate clarity as much as we appreciate creativity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents and can review them properly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinsley Power Systems
✨Know the Library Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the Cambridge Public Library's mission and values. Understand their commitment to community and learning, as this will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since outstanding customer service is key for this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a patron.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Being a strong team player is essential. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you treated colleagues with respect and contributed positively to a team environment.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of library work, you might face unexpected challenges. Prepare to share instances where you remained calm and professional under pressure. This will show that you can handle the dynamic environment of a library effectively.
