Employment Opportunities

Early Literacy Outreach Specialist

Department:  Main Library
Reports To:  Youth Services Supervisor
Schedule:  30 – 35 hours per week (days, evenings, Saturdays)
Revision Date:  November 2018
Salary: DOQ

The Early Literacy Outreach Specialist works with the staff in the Children’s Library and branches in planning and executing a comprehensive program of library outreach services for children from birth through age 8, their parents, caregivers, and the community organizations that serve them.

Submit cover letter and resume to resumes@reading.lib.pa.us.

JOB SUMMARY

  • Plan and provide weekly outreach programs for birth – 8 age group aligned with Ready.Set.READ! goals and other early literacy best practices
  • Develop and maintain contacts with youth services community
  • Schedule weekly outreach visits
  • Attend community and school outreach events to promote the library
  • Keep program attendance records and prepare narrative and statistical reports as assigned
  • Provide daily organization tasks in Youth Services
  • Help to develop promote, and present fun and exciting literacy based programs
  • Assist customers with the use of library resources and services
  • Create family friendly displays, calendars, signs, and other promotional material
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field with preference given to courses in Library & Information Science.

Experience

  • Two or more years in a professional or educational setting working with children
  • Library experience preferred

Clearances

  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Mandated Reporting Training for Child Abuse
  • PA Criminal Record Check
  • FBI Criminal Background Check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Effective verbal, written, and digital communication
  • Ability to translate needs and interests of children into exciting and effective library services
  • Customer service skills with a diverse, urban population
  • Familiarity with children’s literature both classic and modern
  • Tech-savvy with the Internet, gaming, social media, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Work well under pressure, ability to multi-task, and an energetic team player
  • Bi-lingual Spanish a plus
  • Must have valid PA driver’s license to drive library van

WORKING CONDITIONS

Scheduling flexibility required as work schedule may vary based on the needs of the library. Evening and weekend hours required.

Frequent standing, sitting, bending, talking, hearing, speaking and mental concentration necessary; use of hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms; specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to communicate and be understood clearly. May be required to lift or move files, books or supplies of up to 15 pounds. This is a physically active position. (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Disclaimer:
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed. The essential functions or duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.