Adult Literacy Specialist

Location: Administration Office (Livingston, LA)

Schedule: 40 hours weekly (Full Time Status) - Hours may vary due to library events.

Under the direction of the Head of Community Engagement (HCE) is responsible for the system's Adult Literacy and ESL Programs. The Adult Literacy Specialist is responsible for organizing, planning, developing, and operating both programs as well as interviewing, training and monitoring volunteers. The Adult Literacy Specialist has no direct reports but ensures that Adult Literacy and ESL volunteers adhere to all pertinent Library Policies and Procedures.

The position fills an important and needed role in the system and the community, and must maintain strict ethical and privacy guidelines at all times. It is a key team member of the Community Engagement Department, and must be flexible on hours to fulfill its essential functions. The position is housed at the Administration Office, but the Adult Literacy Specialist will be required to travel to all library locations.

• Strengthens the system-wide Livingston Parish Library Adult Literacy Program.
• Interviews and trains Adult Literacy volunteers.
• Meets with Adult Literacy volunteers bi-monthly to assess progress.
• Conducts intake meetings and exit interviews with students.
• Maintains up-to-date confidential files for students and lists of volunteers.
• Selects workbooks, texts, software, and other resources for the program.
• Proctors, grades, and evaluates placement tests for new or prospective students.
• Monitors student progress via goal evaluation and testing.
• Researches informational and community resources as well as effective tutoring and learning methods to assist tutors and students in meeting their goals.
• Maintains contact and positive rapport with students and tutors.
• Coordinates the Livingston Parish Library English as a Second Language Program (ESL) by working with the ESL Specialist/Coordinator.
• Conducts one-on-one tutoring with Adult Literacy clients and ESL clients.
• Teaches monthly Beginning ESL Class; hosted in the evenings.
• In coordination with the Head of Community Engagement, manages the Excel High School Program and coaches participants.
• Writes and prepares programming instructions (LEAFs) for all ESL, Spanish classes, and Adult Writers' Club events.
• Monitors the Adult Literacy Budget, including ordering Adult Literacy and ESL supplies and texts, in coordination with the Library Director and Head of Community Engagement.

• In coordination with the Adult Services Specialist and Programming Assistant, fills supply requests from Adult Coordinators at the library branches.
• Assists with purchase requisitions for adult events.
• Puts together supply boxes for Adult Coordinators at the Administration Building.
• Monitors and sends out supplies for Adult Literacy and ESL events as needed.
• Works with the Adult Services Specialist to prepare and send out SRP supplies and prizes.
• Serves on committees with associated duties as needed, including Comic Con and Book Festival.
• Works as part of a team with the rest of the Community Engagement Department to facilitate and operate large community events.
• Other library-related tasks as needed by the Head of Community Engagement or Library Administration.

• Speaks, reads, writes, and comprehends the English language.
• Self-directed, self-motivated; able to follow the Community Engagement Department's goals while growing and developing the Adult Literacy and ESL Programs.
• Capable of independent judgment and discretion while at work.
• Able to follow instructions and directions set by the Library Administration.
• Exceptional professional ethics and discipline required.
• Able to communicate effectively, clearly, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of individuals and groups, including public presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams.
• Awareness of modern Adult Literacy teaching practices.
• Ability to work nights and weekends when necessary.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of program techniques and volunteers.
• Able 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.

Required:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related field.
• Experience in tutoring or teaching.

Preferred:

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

• Must possess a valid Louisiana's driver's license with a clean record.
• Must be willing to work some nights and weekends.
• Willingness to be flexible on hours and schedules.

Livingston Parish Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Conditions of employment:…