Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book. 

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.

We are seeking a Brooklyn Supports Coordinator (Part-Time) to connect library patrons in our branches who may be experiencing homelessness, housing instability, food insecurity, mental illness, barriers to health care, and other acute needs. Reporting to the Community Health Coordinator, 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. 

• Coordinate Brooklyn Supports programming in or adjacent to libraries in underserved communities in Brooklyn
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the library to partner organizations.
• Work with the Community Health Outreach Coordinator to develop and maintain community partnerships
• Work in collaboration with relevant government and community–based providers to implement appropriate service solutions
• Collaborate with staff in BPL navigation programs to facilitate referrals to benefits assistance
• Assist patrons with Access HRA benefits applications and screening for eligibility in benefits programs
• Coordinate the cross-departmental Benefits Access team communication, warm referrals to partners and written referral resources
• Schedule and develop training opportunities with partners for staff to recieve updates on city, state and federal benefits and provide resources and best practices to offering benefits assistance in the library
• Follow up with patrons via phone, email, and in-person to provide high-quality referrals for services in the community
• Complete necessary reports and documentation
• Perform other related duties as assigned

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
• Ability to travel

This is a part-time position, up to 19 hours a week. The hourly range for this position is $32-35 an hour.