Literacy Specialist - Juvenile Facilities Chapter Library

THE DEPARTMENT

Ventura County Library connects people, ideas, and opportunities through free access to information, technology, lifelong learning, and welcoming community spaces. It serves residents through 12 branches across Ventura County, two Mobile Libraries, and library services at the Ventura County Probation Agency's Juvenile Facilities.

Under general direction, the Literacy Specialist coordinates literacy services for incarcerated youth at the Juvenile Facilities Next Chapter Library, a partnership between Ventura County Library and the Ventura County Probation Agency. The position recruits, screens trains, and supports volunteer tutors; assesses learner needs and progress; provides individualized literacy support and educational resources; and facilitates opportunities that encourage reading, learning, and personal growth.

The Literacy Specialist fosters positive, supportive relationships with youth, volunteers, Library staff, and facility personnel while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Duties include administering and interpreting literacy assessments; developing and providing appropriate instructional materials; communicating learner progress and instructional strategies to tutors; monitoring and documenting learner outcomes; maintaining program records and materials; submitting required reports; coordinating with facility staff regarding programming, schedules, and access;

and proactively identifying program needs, challenges, and opportunities and recommending solutions to the Program Manager and Juvenile Facilities staff.

PAYROLL

TITLE:

Staff/Services Specialist I

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Library Services Agency, Adult Literacy

Staff/Services Specialist I is represented by SEIU and is eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: Fixed-Term positions are Regular positions for a specific duration of time. This Fixed-Term position is anticipated to expire on June 30, 2027.

Opening date:
Monday, August 24, 2026.

Closing date:
Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.

Review of applications:
Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis beginning the week of August 31, 2026. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supervises the activities of volunteer tutors and adult learners during in-person or virtual sessions online, at the library, or off-site locations such as schools and/or correctional facilities;
• Coordinates READ programming in one or all of the following areas: adult basic education, English as a second language, family literacy, and/or workforce and digital literacy, which includes event planning, curriculum development, content evaluation, and direct instruction;
• Helps READ participants achieve their goals by monitoring progress and achievement, administering reading assessments, screening prospective volunteer tutors and adult learners, and matching learning pairs;
• Analyzes program efficacy, demonstrating a high level of cultural sensitivity and awareness, presenting instructional strategies, and making referrals to relevant wraparound services within the community;
• Trains and manages volunteer tutors regarding program expectations, educational best practices, safety procedures, and facility codes of conduct;
• Maintains necessary records and materials, which includes tracking, analyzing, and reporting data;
• Serves as liaison with partner agencies to assess adult learner needs and interests;
• Communicates and plans READ activities with the Program Manager and maintains READ instructional and promotional materials with the Administrative Assistant; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process, possession of which assures neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

Any combination of training, education and experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

The required knowledge,…