Early Literacy Specialist

General Overview of PositionUnder the general direction of the Head of Youth and Family Services, provide quality programming, readers' advisory, reference, and circulation services to children, teens, parents or caregivers, educators, and those adults who work with children and teens. Perform other public service functions as needed.

• Please Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities, or qualifications may change at any time with or without notice.

Example of Duties & ResponsibilitiesEssential Job FunctionsPlan and implement age-appropriate quality programming for children, parents or caregivers, educators, and those adults who work with children with an emphasis on early literacy.Be knowledgeable of KPL planning and policy developments.Provide assistance at KPL locations to patrons in accessing library collections, answering information and circulation questions, providing reader’s advisory assistance, and assisting in operating equipment. General Job FunctionsWork with the Head of Youth and Family Services in learning techniques in child, teen, and family librarianship.Work with the Division Head for Public Services and/or Branch Managers and/or Team Leads to learn circulation practices and policies.Respond to patron inquiries about library services, including the interpretation of library policies and procedures.Provide informal library instruction.Provide “on call” readers’ advisory services to users of the KPL children’s and teen collections; serve as the children’s and young adult services resource for KPL staff.Maintain knowledge of current trends and participate in appropriate conferences, workshops, and seminars to develop professional and leadership skills.Recommend changes or improvements in services or programming for KPL Youth Services to the Head of Youth Services.Foster a collaborative relationship with community groups, businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agencies in the city and Kenosha County, by providing information about the Library and its services.Participate in conducting summer library programs annually.Suggest grant opportunities and activities relating to children, young adults, and families as required.Maintain a working environment within the Library that will sustain a high level of employee morale and productivity.Keep the Head of Youth and Family Services informed of safety, mechanical, and maintenance problems in the Children's and Young Adult Service area.Serve as Person in Charge of the children's and teen services room as scheduled.Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

Reporting Relationship:Reports to the Head of Youth and Family Services

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

Eligible for TeleworkYes as determined by library policy up to 20%

RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education preferred.Experience in working with library resources for children and/or young adults any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities strongly preferred.Spanish language proficiency preferred. Must retrain with approved early literacy coursework every three years.Ability to communicate effectively with library staff and the public.Ability to gather statistics, analyze information, and write reports.Ability to use computer software and manage computerized files.Good interpersonal skills and ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with the public, peers, and supervisors.Ability to creatively and effectively make independent decisions based upon experience, knowledge, or training without supervision.Mathematical ability: calculate basic arithmetic problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) without the aid of the calculator.Problem-solving skills; develop feasible, realistic solutions to problems; recommend actions designed to prevent problems from occurring; refer recommended solutions to the Head of Youth Services when necessary.Reading ability: effectively read and understand the information contained in memoranda, reports and bulletins, etc. Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling.Ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines.Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.A personal vehicle for use on the job.

The Board and Staff of the Kenosha Public Library are committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture that values and demonstrates cultural competency.The successful candidate will: See the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people.Value different points of view and check their own views against the views of others.Support fair treatment and equal opportunity for all.Listen to and objectively consider the ideas/input of others.Respect the talents and contributions of all individuals.Strive to eliminate barriers to diversity.Ensure that new barriers to diversity are not built.

Essential Library Core CompetenciesCore Technology – Performs basic functions of e-mail applications; Performs basic calendar operations and task management; Understands, uses and helps others use basic computer hardware and peripherals, mobile devices, and the Internet; Demonstrates information literacy; Understands common security protocols related to Internet use; Understands and performs basic functions and tasks of common software programs; Performs basic word processing operations and basic printing operations from common applications; Maintains awareness of commonly used technologies and applies technology effectively for ongoing learning and collaboration.Core Personal/Interpersonal Competencies – Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals; Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors; Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction; Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users; Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service; Aligns efforts with the vision and direction of the organization; Demonstrates leadership qualities and behavior; Anticipates and adapts to change and challenges effectively.Cultural Competence – Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people; Values different points of view and checks views against the views of others; Supports fair treatment and equal opportunity for all; Listens to and objectively considers the ideas/input of others and respects the talents and contributions of all individuals; Strives to eliminate barriers to diversity; ensures that new barriers to diversity are not built.Accountability – Accepts personal responsibility for and meets established standards for the quality, quantity, resource management, and timeliness of work. Maintains a positive attitude, regular attendance, punctuality, and demonstrates integrity and honesty. Acknowledges and corrects mistakes.Civility – Demonstrates respect for others, open-mindedness, generosity of spirit, and a concern for the common good.Communication – Communicates in a clear and concise way both verbally and in writing. Demonstrates the ability to convey ideas, thoughts, issues, and information.Learning and Innovation – Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge that contribute to increased effectiveness, proficiency, and service; demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.Teamwork – Values and cooperates with all team members. Promotes a friendly climate, good morale and cooperative team relationships.

Physical and Working ConditionsFar vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less.Talking and hearing.Sitting, standing, walking, climbing (including stairs), and stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching (up, across, and down). Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.Keyboarding, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, processing, and picking up and shelving books.Lifting and carrying: 50 pounds or less.Pushing and pulling: objects weighing up to 60-80 pounds on wheels.Able to travel to meetings outside the library, including overnight travel.Able to work in enclosed spaces and remote locations for extended periods of time.Able to work at all library branches and other service locations, as needed.Able to work in environmental conditions which may include exposure to dust, dirt, heat, cold, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, wetness and humidity, and temperature changes.Able to use the following: audiovisual equipment, building security systems, calculator, computer workstation, copy machine, scan station, telephone, and other readily available technology.