Literacy Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings, such as after-school, camp, school, or recreational programs.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in literacy education, English language arts, creative writing, reading instruction, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of reading comprehension, writing development, and literacy strategies.
• Ability to develop engaging, age-appropriate reading and writing activities.
• Strong communication, classroom-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support students with varying reading abilities and learning needs.
• Passion for literature, storytelling, and youth development.
• Dependability, professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, for up to 20 hours per week, and during some school holidays.
• Expected availability for the full school year through June 2027.
• Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
• College degree, teaching certification, literacy training, or equivalent experience.
• Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate literacy lessons, reading groups, writing workshops, and literary projects.
• Strengthen students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and analytical-thinking skills.
• Introduce students to diverse literary genres, authors, cultures, and perspectives.
• Develop creative writing opportunities, including poetry, short stories, journaling, essays, and personal narratives.
• Facilitate group discussions, book clubs, debates, and activities that promote critical thinking and communication.
• Incorporate literacy into interdisciplinary projects, media, storytelling, and real-world experiences.
• Encourage students to create original writing and creative literary portfolios.
• Prepare students for poetry readings, writing competitions, literary showcases, and student publications.
• Create an inclusive environment that supports differing reading levels, learning styles, and individual interests.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation.
• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
• Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for varying skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times and follow agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/sign-out, and other basic documentation.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.