Adult Literacy Specialist
Hoboken Public Library – Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hoboken Public Library (HPL) in Hoboken, New Jersey, seeks a Literacy Specialist to plan, develop and implement diverse and engaging literacy programs to meet and exceed the needs of the community; collaborate with library staff to enhance library programs with focus on literacy and adult lifelong learning; develops English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to ensure high quality continuous programs to support a growing need in the community; work with Youth Services on sustaining and increasing programming in the area of early literacy; provides job search assistance and promotion of career development resources available from the library; and establishes a GED testing center to serve as a hub of promotion of literacy programs for the community. This position will report to the Information and Digital Services Manager and will be based primarily in the Learning Center.
Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead and expand information conversational English Language instructions.
- Prepare community literacy needs analysis and conduct periodic literacy programming needs assessments to identify current and future literacy programming needs.
- Develop ESL class curriculum.
- Trains volunteer tutors for the ESL program.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local community organizations, interest-groups and underserved populations to identify ways that the library can support these communities through well-developed literacy programs.
- Plans, prepares, promotes and implements signature literacy programming (for example, adult lifelong learning lecture series).
- Establish a GED testing center and coordinate schedules for the exams.
- Develop and present comprehensive literacy programs using learning software and online courses.
- Maintain the literacy classes schedule on the library’s web page.
- Keep current with knowledge, trends, and resources related to literacy library programming.
- Assist library patrons with their workforce development related needs, including resume, cover letter, job application, thank you letter and other employment related letters, providing critique, editing, and suggestions for revision.
- Direct participants to the HPL electronic and print resources for additional information and help.
Education and Experience Qualifications:
- Bachelor Degree with concentration in English language instruction; Master’s degree preferred.
- Skills in active learning and one or more years working experience in active learning.
- Comfort in working with flexible public program spaces.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent planning, organization, and problem-solving skills requiring critical and strategic thinking.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment with competing demands.
- A passion for public libraries.
- Commitment to customer service.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Possesses in-depth knowledge of current literacy trends of the community served.
- Has an in-depth knowledge of literacy materials and software.
- Works well independently and as a member of a team.
- Active, patient listener who intuitively understands people’s needs.
- Engages well with others. Passionate about providing an exemplary customer experience.
- Shares responsibility for building literacy collection for all age service groups.
- Capable and effective public speaker.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
Additional Position Requirements:
New Jersey residency required by the “New Jersey First Act”, N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70). Candidates who do not reside in New Jersey, have one year after the date employment begins to relocate their residence to New Jersey. Employees not establishing New Jersey residency within this one-year period are subject to removal from this position.
Able to work with or without reasonable accommodation in a shared work area, to stand and move around for three or more hours at a time. Incumbents need to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, climb and push/pull; and be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
Bilingual Spanish language skills and/or American Sign Language skills would be helpful, but not required.
Job Type: Full -Time.
Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Application Process: Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, list of three professional references, and salary expectations via email to aimee.harris [at] hoboken.bccls.org by 5:00 p.m. E.S.T., 12/31/21