Literacy Program Specialist - Library Department

Job Title

Literacy Program Specialist

About the Department

The award-winning San Jos Public Library (SJPL) consists of more than 600 employees, a 23% bilingual workforce, and has 24 branch libraries across San Jos, in addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is the city's main library jointly operated through a unique partnership with San Jos State University. SJPL serves a diverse community of roughly one-million residents and currently has nearly 700,000 library members. It annually attracts over 6 million visitors (pre-pandemic) and circulates more than 8 million items per year.

Over the past few years, SJPL has cultivated a 21st century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core. In addition to providing library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the SJ Access digital equity initiative, which has become the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity, tech device lending, and multi-lingual digital literacy programs and support. SJPL is led by Jill Bourne, City Librarian, who was nationally recognized in 2017 as Library Journal's "Librarian of the Year."

SJPL enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information. The library department is a place where people do great work and make a difference in our community. To see examples of SJPL's work and learn more about its impact, visit Join us to make a difference!

Position Duties

The Library Department is seeking three (3) Literacy Program Specialists (LPS) to join our team and change the lives of those we serve! The ideal candidate for these positions will understand, support, practice and promote the Mission, Vision, & Values statements of the City of San Jos and the library; demonstrate leadership and a commitment to active customer service; have knowledge of current literacy technology and trends; have experience working with a diverse community and staff; and enjoy working in a fast-paced, innovative team environment. Literacy Program Specialists are community connectors. They are responsible for coordinating programs and services provided by the library. They identify community needs, collaborate with partner organizations, and guide library customers to information and helpful resources. Specialists are responsible for performing a variety of professional duties including: implementing grants; planning/implementing or finding partners for library programs; conducting community outreach; evaluating the effectiveness of programs, computer software, and online learning tools; formulating a strong partnership with other Library units (Family Learning Centers, Early Education, Expanded Learning, College and Career Pathways, Digital Empowerment, and SJPL Works); and having knowledge of current literacy trends. These positions may include evenings and weekend shifts. Bilingual skills preferred. The salary range for Literacy Program Specialist is approximately $91,094.64 - $110,532.24 annually. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience.

College and Career Pathways Specialist: The position will focus on ensuring the ongoing success of the Career Online High School program and promoting opportunities for community members to make progress on their educational and career goals.

ESL and Workforce Development Grant Coordinator (Overstrength): This position will serve as the program lead for the prestigious Carnegie grant-funded initiative, Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy, strengthening SJPL's role in civic education, economic mobility, and lifelong learning.

Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregiver Support Network (Overstrength): This role will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the day-to-day implementation of the FFN Caregiver Support Network.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in literacy, education, social or human services, or related field AND one (1) year experience working in a literacy program.

Other Qualifications

Competencies: The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

• Job Expertise Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices; including programming materials, techniques, methodologies and/or principles and practices of adult literacy programs; tutoring techniques and assessment; handling sensitive and confidential information; Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing, demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution
• Collaboration - Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
• Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
• Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
• Multi-tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
• Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
• Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response. You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for these vacancies or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Chris Caruthers at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email View email address on click.appcast.io and we will research the status of your application.

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.