We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book.
Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!
Outreach Services at Brooklyn Public Library develops innovative programs and partnerships to increase access to library resources. The Department supports responsive services to immigrant communities, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, families impacted by incarceration, and veterans. Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking a Brooklyn Supports Coordinator to connect library patrons in our branches who may be experiencing homelessness, housing instability, food insecurity, mental illness, food insecurity, barriers to health care, or may need assistance in accessing government benefits. Reporting to the Community Services Manager in the Community Health team, this person will develop and maintain partnerships that provide a bridge from the library to a robust network of community supports who are experts at delivering social services, financial assistance, and community health.
This is a non-union, exempt position. The salary range is $60,000-$65,000 per year.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate Brooklyn Supports programming in or adjacent to libraries in underserved communities in Brooklyn.
- Directly assist patrons with navigating community resources and social supports in person at Brooklyn Supports programs and through Social Work office hours.
- Follow up with patrons via phone, email, and in-person to provide high-quality referrals for services in the community. Work with the Community Health team to develop and maintain community partnerships and serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the library to partner organizations.
- Work in collaboration with relevant government and community–based providers to implement appropriate service solutions.
- Actively market Brooklyn Supports and individual patron services at branches and other community events.
- Collaborate with staff in BPL navigation programs in Immigrant Services, Justice Initiatives, Services for Older Adults, and Neighborhood Tech Help to facilitate warm referrals to benefits assistance.
- Assist patrons with Access HRA benefits applications and screening for eligibility in benefits programs.
- Schedule and develop workshop opportunities for patrons that focus on accessing benefits and wellness related to mental health.
Minimum qualifications:
- Master's in Social Work from an accredited institution.
- Creative, person-centered problem solving
- Attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, re-entry
- An understanding of social work programming in an urban public library setting.
- Experience working on projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Bi/Multilingual preferred
- Communicate with staff about updates on city, state, and federal changes that impact benefits and housing. Provide resources and best practices for offering benefits assistance in the library.
- Work collaboratively with the Community Services Manager to identify gaps in social work services at the library.
- Complete necessary reports and documentation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. You will be immersed in a motivating and challenging environment where innovation is key to the organization. If you are looking to be a part of a stimulating workplace that is highly regarded by its culturally diverse community, BPL is the place to be.
Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience coordinating community programs or outreach
- Ability to assist patrons with benefits applications and eligibility screening (Access HRA)
- Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with community and government providers
- Ability to provide high-quality referrals and follow-up via phone, email, and in-person
- Experience scheduling and developing workshops related to benefits and mental health wellness
- Strong organizational skills, including completing reports and documentation
- Ability to market programs and perform outreach at branches and community events
What We Do
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation's largest library systems and among New York City's most democratic institutions, dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships, and implementing programs.
