Adult Literacy Specialist

Livingston Parish Library•Livingston, LA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Literacy Specialist is responsible for organizing, planning, developing, and operating the Livingston Parish Library’s Adult Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Under the direction of the Head of Community Engagement, the specialist interviews, trains, and monitors volunteers, supports students and tutors, and ensures volunteers follow applicable library policies and procedures. The role has no direct reports and requires adherence to strict ethical and privacy guidelines. The position is based at the Administration Office in Livingston, Louisiana, and requires travel to all library locations. It is a 40-hour-per-week, full-time position; hours may vary to accommodate library events, and some nights and weekends are required. The specialist is a member of the Community Engagement Department and helps coordinate classes, events, resources, and program budgets. The position also assists with adult programming supplies and large community events, and performs other library-related duties as assigned. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a related field and experience in tutoring or teaching. A valid Louisiana driver's license with a clean record is required. Employment is contingent on completing an assessment test, providing degree transcripts if applicable, and successfully completing background and motor vehicle record checks. The role involves regular talking and hearing; frequent use of hands or fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls; occasional standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasional lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds. The work environment is usually moderately noisy. Reasonable accommodations may be made for employees with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related field.
Experience in tutoring or teaching.
Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend English.
Self-directed and self-motivated, with the ability to support department goals and develop the Adult Literacy and ESL programs.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion and follow directions from Library Administration.
Exceptional professional ethics and discipline, including adherence to privacy guidelines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with varied audiences and give public presentations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams.
Awareness of modern Adult Literacy teaching practices.
Ability to work nights and weekends when necessary and to be flexible with hours and schedules.
Ability to evaluate program techniques and volunteer effectiveness.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects, committees, and tasks.
Ability to resolve conflicts and gain cooperation among competing interest groups.
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office software.
Valid Louisiana driver's license with a clean record.
Completion of an assessment test and successful completion of background and motor vehicle record checks; degree transcripts must be provided if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend Spanish.
Master's degree in library science or a related field.
Experience in public speaking and dealing with the public by telephone.
Experience running or participating in community service events.

Responsibilities

Organize, plan, develop, and operate the Adult Literacy and ESL programs.
Interview, train, and monitor Adult Literacy volunteers, ensuring they adhere to library policies and procedures.
Meet with Adult Literacy volunteers bi-monthly to assess progress.
Conduct student intake meetings and exit interviews, and maintain confidential student files and volunteer lists.
Select program workbooks, texts, software, and other resources.
Proctor, grade, and evaluate placement tests for new or prospective students.
Monitor student progress through goal evaluations and testing; research resources and effective tutoring and learning methods.
Maintain positive communication and rapport with students and tutors.
Coordinate the library’s ESL program in collaboration with the ESL Specialist/Coordinator.
Provide one-on-one tutoring to Adult Literacy and ESL clients, and teach a monthly evening Beginning ESL class.
Manage the Excel High School Program and coach participants in coordination with the Head of Community Engagement.
Prepare programming instructions (LEAFs) for ESL, Spanish classes, and Adult Writers' Club events.
Monitor the Adult Literacy budget and coordinate ordering of Adult Literacy and ESL supplies and texts with the Library Director and Head of Community Engagement.
Coordinate with adult services staff to fill branch supply requests, assist with purchase requisitions, assemble and distribute supplies, and prepare and send out SRP supplies and prizes.
Serve on committees as needed, including Comic Con and Book Festival, and help facilitate large community events.
Perform other library-related duties as assigned by the Head of Community Engagement or Library Administration.