PT Community Resource Specialist- Elizabeth Public Library

Elizabeth Public Library
Position Title: Part-Time Community Specialist
Reports To: Assistant Director
Schedule: Part-Time, flexible schedule (approximately 19 hours per week, including some evenings or weekends as needed)

Position Summary

The Elizabeth Public Library is seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and community-minded Part-Time Community Specialist to support patrons by connecting them with local services and resources. This position works directly with individuals and families to provide information, referrals, and guidance related to housing, employment, health, education, and other social needs. The Community Specialist will collaborate with library staff and community partners to strengthen the library’s role as a safe and supportive resource hub for all residents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage with patrons to identify needs and connect them to appropriate community services and resources.
• Maintain an up-to-date directory of local and regional organizations that provide social, health, housing, and employment support.
• Provide one-on-one assistance in a confidential and respectful manner.
• Collaborate with library staff to identify patron needs and coordinate outreach efforts.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits, and government organizations.
• Plan or assist with community programs and workshops focused on wellness, life skills, or access to services
• Assist patrons in completing forms, applications, or online submissions as needed.
• Track and report interactions, referrals, and outreach statistics for administrative reporting.
• Participate in staff meetings and training related to community engagement and public service.
• Must be able to travel between branch locations, including Main, Elmora, LaCorte, and Eport.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field required
• Experience providing direct service, outreach, or case coordination in a community or nonprofit setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of social service systems, community resources, and referral processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy, discretion, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with staff and partner organizations.
• Proficiency with computers, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working in a public library or community-based setting is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a library setting, with occasional off-site outreach or community event participation.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and occasionally lift or move materials up to 20 lbs.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To Apply

Please submit your resume to Alex Laudisi at alaudisi [at] elizpl.org (alaudisi[at]elizpl[dot]org).