Our Ability Jobs

Jail & Prison Services Program Assistant

Application Deadline: 10 April 2025

Department: Branch Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Andrew Heiskell Library

Reporting To: Emily Jacobson

Compensation: $28.00 / hour

Description

The Jail & Prison Services team, under Branch Libraries & Patron Services, serves New Yorkers affected by incarceration by providing books and other programs that inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. Jail & Prison Services programming aligns with the strategic priorities of being a home for readers of all ages and a catalyst for the creation of new knowledge.

The Jail & Prison Services Program Assistant will answer letters from incarcerated patrons in support of the Reference by Mail service. The Program Assistant will liaise with volunteers and students also answering letters, to support the workflow of the service. They will work closely with the Supervising Librarian to find ways to streamline and improve the service overall.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly answers letters from incarcerated patrons in support of the Reference by Mail service, responding to a wide variety of needs, questions, and research requests

• Is responsible for learning about and working within the landscape of incarcerated patrons, understanding their information needs and the barriers to information access

• Liaise with volunteers and students also answering letters, to support the workflow of the service and to support good communication between a cohort of responders

• Work closely with the Supervising Librarian to find ways to streamline and improve the Ref-by-Mail service overall

• Assists with the creation and distribution of materials to staff answering Ref-by-Mail letters, such as guidelines, rules, ready responses, etc.

• Occasionally assists with the preparation and delivery of JPS programs and projects such as the Connections reentry guidebook

• Attends relevant NYPL staff development activities and training

• Performs other related duties as expected

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience

• Two or more years of experience in an office and/or library setting

• One or more years of experience working with underserved populations

• Experience working with incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and/or families of incarcerated people

• Knowledge of public library systems

• Working knowledge of computer and other related technology skills, including Google Workspace

Required Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks

• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

More...

NYPL Core Values:

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues

• Be Resourceful in solving problems

• Be Curious in all aspects of your work

• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting

• Public library setting

Physical Duties

• N/A

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Schedule

• 19 hours a week, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM onsite at Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library