Purpose: The Youth Literacy Outreach Specialist has responsibilities to develop, maintain, and improve library and community based programs that benefit young and school aged children and their families by promoting literacy and early experiences that are integral to their development, setting them on a path to be successful throughout their lives. This position partners and supports relationships with organizations whose missions align in order to draw the larger community together, leverage resources and increase impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
50% Program Development & Coordination:
- Manages and evaluates youth literacy services in the community and implements changes as needed.
- Supports and collaborates with staff to promote early childhood and school aged literacy programs.
- Collaborates with Youth and Family Services to provide expert knowledge and services inside and outside library locations.
- Communicates effectively with district staff, providing both partnership and leadership with programs.
- Identifies opportunities and needs in Douglas County and suggests a service plan to be implemented by DCL staff.
- Researches new practices in early literacy and school engagement, makes recommendations, and implements best practices into early childhood literacy programs.
- Advises on budget creation and submits expenditures.
- Assists staff as a resource on early literacy curriculum practices.
- Learns new software packages quickly and with a high degree of accuracy.
30% Outreach & Advocacy:
- Represents DCL in the community as an expert and advocate for youth literacy.
- Participates on various community and organizational boards whose mission is to advance early literacy and childhood development.
- Disseminates resources to community groups and health organizations serving children.
- Participates and supports events that expand our community’s awareness of the importance of early literacy and childhood experiences.
- Supports volunteerism as a way to be involved and make a difference with Douglas County youth.
- Demonstrates passion for young children and early literacy experiences.
- Supports Library staff’s ability to provide premium services and experiences to young children and their families.
20% Volunteer Coordination:
- Collaborates with Volunteer Services to promote and recruit for program opportunities.
- Recruits, trains, places, and coordinates volunteers for DCL youth literacy programs at early learning centers and in-home providers.
- Designs opportunities for continued support and education to volunteers.
- Establishes relationships with volunteers and community-based organizations.
- Participates in volunteer appreciation and recognition activities.
Other Duties: Supports community engagement events and other duties as assigned.
One DCL Commitment: It is an expectation of each employee that you will exemplify Douglas County Libraries Brand, Culture and Values of welcoming to all, continual growth and authentic relationships.
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably with an emphasis in a childhood related field
- Three years’ experience working with child development and early literacy
- Fluency in MS Office, and other industry related software.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or other education related field
- Teaching experience
A combination of experience and education will be considered.
Physical Requirements: Ability to drive between various branches. Must have the physical ability, stamina, mobility and manual dexterity to support a 7-day a week operation. Work at computer work-stations repetitively and for extended periods. Participate in meetings and events at various locations and at varied times throughout the day. Ability to read as small as 8pt font.
NOTE: Please submit a cover letter for this position as it is required. On the next page, you will be able to upload a cover letter.
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is a Colorado PERA Member Employer, so you will be enrolled in Colorado PERA. For details on member benefits go to www.copera.org Elective DCL benefits include:
- Health Care Plans: medical, dental & vision
- Voluntary Plans: Accident, Critical Illness, Short Term, and Long Term Insurance
- Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
- 401k & 457 plans (through CO PERA)
- Legal-ID Shield
Additional DCL benefits include:
- Holiday Pay
- Paid Time Off
- Extended Illness time off
- Leaves of Absence for Qualifying Events
*Benefits are subject to change
Please go here to apply for this job.