Literacy Specialist - Juvenile Facilities Next Chapter Library (Fixed-Term)

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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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, skills, and abilities can also be obtained by the following:

• Two (2) years of experience teaching reading and English phonics.
• Two (2) years leading or supervising others.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff at all levels, volunteers, and community groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teens and young adults.
• Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Some proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising others.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or reading and literacy, or a related field.
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities.
• Experience using databases.

Skills

Working Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of effective supervision.
• Methods and practices of teaching reading, including English phonics instruction, remediation of reading difficulties in the context of learning differences/disabilities.

Ability to:

• Quickly establish rapport and conduct an effective and comfortable interview to assess literacy levels and needs.
• Administer and interpret reading assessment tests.
• Select appropriate instructional materials and strategies and explain their use to a volunteer.
• Work with a diverse group of people using a high level of sensitivity for people with learning disabilities or cultural differences.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and community groups.
• Exercise independent judgment to function independently and in a team environment.
• Exercise discretion and mature judgement while following and enforcing rules.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of competence; to organize and prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Explain department policies and procedures and serve as departmental resource and liaison.
• Draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations or adjustments as needed.
• Prepare various reports by tracking, collecting, compiling, and analyzing relevant, necessary information.
• Communicate effectively with teens and young adults.

Skill in:

• Utilizing modern office methods and applicable software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and email programs such as Outlook and databases.
• Written and oral communication.

Benefits

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

Pay

Payroll title: Staff/Services Specialist I.

Schedule

This is a Fixed-Term position anticipated to expire on June 30, 2027. The schedule may include evenings and occasional weekends.