LITERACY SERVICES COORDINATOR

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, supervises, organizes and directs the literacy services division of the library; performs related work as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assists in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, programs, procedures, and work standards for library literacy services.
• Directs and may participate in tutor and learner recruitment and oversees evaluation of learner assessment tests.
• Oversees and supervises selection and review of library literacy materials and resources.
• Arranges, coordinates and/or conducts training sessions for volunteer tutors and learners
• Assesses effectiveness of services and programs by developing surveys and conducting periodic progress visits with program participants and implements changes in response to results.
• Continues and sustains an active public awareness campaign by speaking to community groups, writing public press releases, conducting television and/or radio interviews, and developing and disseminating public relations and recruitment materials such as brochures, flyers, videos and newsletters.
• Plans, coordinates, supervises and conducts literacy special events and participates in library special events as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with area businesses and organizations, in order to promote and expand library literacy services and programs.
• Assists in the development and preparation of grant applications and coordinates submission of required reports and documents.
• Proposes programs and projects to meet identified needs, implements, oversees and evaluates grant projects.
• Develops annual budget requirements for literacy services and grant projects and monitors expenditures.
• Plans, organizes, directs, supervises and reviews work of literacy support staff, volunteers, tutors, contract and grant-funded positions.
• Serves as liaison, and may serve as a committee member, to community agencies and other literacy groups such as the San Diego Council on Literacy, California Literacy, Inc. and other State Library committees.
• Monitors new developments in the literacy field; incorporates new developments, as appropriate, into programs and services.
• Participates with senior level library staff in developing and implementing general goals for the library.

Depending on area of assignment, duties may also include:

• Performs related work as required.
• Participates in activities of professional associations as time and budget permits.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of adult and family literacy services including learning disabilities in the adult population.
• Principles and practices of project management and administration.
• Supervisory principles and practices including training and evaluation.
• Library objectives and procedures.
• Principles and practices of budget development and implementation.
• Grant-writing techniques.
• Principles and techniques of positive customer service and public relations.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of a diverse community, interacting and communicating successfully with people from a variety of backgrounds both individually and in groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with adult learners and their families, volunteers, tutors, library staff and a wide variety of community professionals and organizations.
• Elicit community and organizational support for programs.
• Effectively select, train, and evaluate paraprofessional support staff, contract and grant-funded staff, and volunteers.
• Effectively plan, organize, and direct the work of paraprofessional staff, contract and grant-funded staff, and volunteers.
• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate service programs and activities.
• Prepare and administer program budgets.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
• Recognize successful methods and programs for teaching literacy skills and adapt them to the needs of adults and families in the literacy program.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials; maintain accurate records.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both oraly and in writing.
• Contribute to a successful team effort.
• Develop appropriate and effective collections/resources within literacy services.
• Conduct research using print media and electronic resources.
• Ability to use computer equipment and applications such as Microsoft Office, Internet, and e-mail.

Education and Experience Guidelines – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Education, Public Administration or related field.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of literacy, education, public administration, or related field. Direct experience in the management of an adult or family literacy program in a library setting is desirable. A Master’s Degree in Library Science, Reading Education or a related field may be substituted for two years experience.

License and Other Requirements – May be required to possess a valid Class C California driver’s license. English/Spanish bilingual ability is desirable. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Exposure to heat and humidity working outdoors at special events; noise of crowds and groups of people; temperature variations within the building and from indoors to outdoors; possible mechanical hazards of equipment and large quantities of books and papers. Work is performed in 80-hour work periods, with unscheduled breaks. Occasional overtime my be required for adequate staffing of library facilities, and incumbents may be required to work weekends, nights and holidays. Work is performed primarily indoors at library facilities. Work setting is formal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks. Work pace and pressure is variable, but frequently fast-paced and high pressure.

Physical: CONTINUOUS walking; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below the waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to 500 yards; fine finger dexterity and light pressure to operate keyboards, calculators, telephones; pinch grasp to hold books, writing materials. FREQUENT standing, sitting, bending and stooping, squatting, reaching above and at shoulder level, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing 11-15 lbs. from below waist to waist level, with or without assistance, and transporting distances up to 10 feet. INFREQUENT crawling, balancing above ground, lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. from chest level to above shoulder level, with or without assistance, and transporting distances up to 10 feet; lifting objects weighing 5 1-75 lbs. from below waist to shoulder level, with assistance, and transporting distances up to 5 feet; strong grasp to lift equipment or boxes of books.

Communication: VISION (may be correctable) to see computer screens, books, observe customers and situations. HEARING of telephone and personal conversations with customers, fire and security alarms, sound equipment. SPEAKING clearly to converse with customers. WRITING to complete forms and notes to assist customers. Incumbents must occasionally deal with difficult customers in library facilities, including impaired persons or people attempting to steal items.

Date: 10/02
Revised by: Department - JHG