Community Support Specialist Joins Library Staff

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has hired Jim Young as community support specialist, a position that will enable the library to better serve patrons with needs in social service and mental health areas.

Library Executive Director Aimee Fifarek notes, “We are pleased to have someone so well qualified on staff to connect people needing social services with community resources that may best be able to help,” says Aimee Fifarek, library executive director. “We recognize that many people in our community are struggling with issues beyond library service expertise, such as homelessness, addictions, depression and more.”

Young holds a master’s degree in social work from Youngstown State University and a B.S. in criminal justice. He has been a licensed independent social worker since 2018.

Young combines his love of animals with his work in social services. He has two licensed therapy dogs, Katie and Kirby, both Labradors.

“I started researching therapy dogs when I was in grad school at Youngstown State University. I knew the benefits of people having service animals and I thought it would be unique to provide that type of intense therapy using dogs. It is a relatively new field but is growing in popularity because of the immense benefits.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.