Early Literacy Associate

Description:

Handley Regional Library seeks creative and enthusiastic individual with a passion to promote early literacy through engaging programs for children, caregivers, and educators. This position will work closely with the Handley Library Youth Services Manager to plan, develop, and implement vital literacy programs and services for children birth to grade 3.

Rate of Pay: $17.33/hr

Hours per week: 28

Reports to: Youth Services Manager

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-exempt

Benefits: prorated vacation, sick, and holiday pay

POSITION SUMMARY

Delivers library services, educational classes and events, reader’s advisory, and early literacy-based instruction to children and their caregivers at onsite and offsite locations, including but not limited to schools, childcare centers, afterschool programs, museums, community centers, and other neighborhood organizations. Works with Youth Services Manager to coordinate the library branch's Grow a Reader program.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Under the direction of the Youth Services Manager, develops, organizes and implements community-based library services in support of the library’s participation in the Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR) and to implement Family Place Library (FPL) initiative.
• Collaborates in establishing core literacy programs and assists in curating collections of relevant print and digital resources aimed at school readiness.
• Plans and presents high quality early literacy instruction to children ages birth to five years and their caregivers, incorporating the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
• Plans and presents high quality literacy-focused programs for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3, including both instructor-directed and student-directed learning. Helps to develop and coordinate youth education opportunities, incorporating programs related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
• Provides input to assist in the development of integrated marketing and communications plans, creates marketing materials to promote various programs and special events, and helps maintain relevant website pages.
• Assists with managing activities of the branch’s Youth Services department and staffs the Information Desk when needed. Provides exceptional customer service, information gathering assistance, and technology support to patrons ages birth to 18 years, their caregivers, and educators. Uses readers’ advisory tools to recommend books and media and promotes other library resources including print, digital, and library service offerings.
• Serves as library liaison to local organizations and schools for cooperative school readiness endeavors. Assists Youth Services Manager in forming strategic partnerships with representatives of community agencies, organizations, and institutions.
• Functions effectively as team member. Provides input & feedback, collaborates on issues, and is actively involved as part of a team. Performs job in timely manner, including follow-through on tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Youth Services Manager. The supervisor indicates specific responsibilities, gives special assignments, establishes and/or reviews priorities, and monitors progress in meeting goals and objectives. Work is reviewed regularly through direct observation, conferences and annual performance evaluations.

GUIDELINES

Policies and procedures of the Handley Regional Library, the Library’s Mission Statement and Five-Year Plan, and the Youth Services department manual. Policies and guidelines of The Library of Virginia and the American Library Association.

COMPLEXITY

Work is routine to complex in nature requiring the ability to work independently to accomplish tasks as well as use of judgement, discretion and tact. Work demands special knowledge of child development and early literacy practices.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

This is a responsible paraprofessional position that supports the quality and effectiveness of the materials, services, and programs offered in the Youth Services Department.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with patrons, including adults, teens and children, volunteers, daycare centers, school personnel and local agencies to provide direct assistance and information about the Library's collections, services and programs. Contact with co-workers involves sharing information and assisting in library responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires the ability to load, unload, and carry carts or boxes full of materials when traveling to and from community locations. Ability to traverse various locations and terrains in and around the library. Must have the ability to carry 25-pounds, climb a step ladder to reach materials, move furniture and equipment, push book trucks, and frequently stoop and bend.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a public library setting and at offsite community partner locations, during regular business hours, including evening and weekends.

Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required: Ability to work independently to set priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet ongoing deadlines. Strong human relations and communications skills, positive public service attitude; knowledge of best practices in child development, including social and emotional development in children and young adults or ability to learn. Knowledge of computer hardware and peripherals, digital literacy skills including proficiency in internet research. Ability to develop and present early literacy-based programs.

Preferred: Knowledge of American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative or ability to learn; Awareness of trends and innovations in libraries and services to youth, familiarity with children’s literature and authors. General knowledge of library principles, methods, materials and practices; general knowledge of reader interest and needs; general knowledge of children and young adult books; basic knowledge of classification and cataloging of library materials.

Expected: Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, volunteers and library patrons; possesses general clerical skills; and demonstrates attention to detail.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Required: Bachelor’s degree and previous experience working with young children.

Preferred: Previous library experience as well as experience working with culturally and economically diverse populations. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.