LITERACY SPECIALIST

07755

Competitive

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The Literacy Specialist plays an important role in coordinating literacy-based programs and services in a library setting. Under direct supervision of an administrative superior, the incumbent is responsible for developing and creating engaging programming for children, their families, and adults, providing information on appropriate materials and educating library staff, parents, volunteers, and community partners on literary resources. Supervision is not a function of this class. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Collaborates with library staff and community partners to identify the needs of children, families, and adults and develop programs and services accordingly.

Develops and creates literacy-based programs for all ages, including the creation of lesson plans and program templates and the integration of literacy practices and services.

Creates sensory-friendly early literacy programming.

Coordinates workshops and programs on literacy topics; coordinates presenters and speakers; and develops original content.

Provides outreach to various child focus agencies (e.g., in-home daycares, preschools, childcare centers, preschool programs, pediatrician's offices).

Initiates and maintains partnerships with focused agencies, serving as a liaison to other community literacy groups.

Disseminates literacy resources to the community and maintains the currency of information.

Conducts literacy training for library staff and volunteers.

Researches and creates up-to-date literacy resources in print and for online publication, utilizing media and video where appropriate.

Prepares reports and statistical summaries; assists with data analysis.

Recommends the purchase of adult and early literacy materials for the library collection.

Plans, oversees, and assists in grant writing for grant-funded literacy projects.

Serve as the library’s representative on system-wide committees and work groups.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of early, family, and adult literacy services, including inclusive literacy services.

Good knowledge of the science of reading and brain-based literacy research.

Good knowledge and understanding of educational practices and trends in reading education.

Good knowledge and understanding of childhood development.

Good understanding of public library literacy objectives and procedures.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of project and grant management.

Ability to adapt methods and practices of teaching literacy skills to library programs and services.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, families, adult learners and their tutors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of community organizations, literacy professionals, and educators.

Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate programs and activities.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to demonstrate proficiency with computers and computer programs.

Ability to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of a diverse community including neurodiversity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in Education, Childhood Education, Literacy Education or teach English as a Second Language or a closely related field, or;
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associates Degrees in education, childhood education, literacy education or teach English as a Second Language or a closely related field and two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, working in education in an early childhood school environment or in a literacy based organization.                     

Original date of composition: 12/2023