County of Alameda

Under general supervision, Literacy Specialists provide professional literacy services for library members of all ages and abilities.  Positions in this class perform functions related to the coordination, planning, instruction, and evaluation of curriculum for literacy participants; and to do related work as required.   

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

Literacy Specialist is a journey level class in the library series.  Positions in this classification are under the general supervision of a Library Manager I or higher-level manager in the Library.  Incumbents in this classification perform with a high degree of expertise in literacy related issues and are required to work in a variety of settings, which may include correctional institutions (both juvenile and adult).  Incumbents have generalized knowledge and experience in program systems and operations, database management, and outreach.  In addition to organizational skills, they are required to possess specialized knowledge of current theories and practices of adult and juvenile literacy instruction, as well as experience providing direct literacy instruction.   

The class of Literacy Specialist is distinguished from the lower level classification of Literacy Advocate in that incumbents in the latter class have the primary responsibility for recruiting learners and volunteers, while the former class provides direct instruction and has responsibility for curriculum development, day to day program operation, and the coordination of volunteer staff.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Develops and presents lessons using a variety of instructional techniques and materials that are appropriate to the audience.
2. Develops and administers learner assessment; matches learners and volunteers; and monitors the progress of learners.
3. Coordinates a volunteer program that includes recruiting, training, monitoring, and supporting volunteers. Trains volunteers in a variety of literacy methodologies.
4. Plans and implements workshops and meetings for learners and volunteers.
5. Maintains accurate records on learners and volunteers.
6. Gathers, organizes, and evaluates data related to literacy issues, projects, programs, and reports.
7. Initiates, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with other library departments, schools, agencies, businesses, and community groups.  
8. Identifies, evaluates, and analyzes the needs of a targeted community area and learners.

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience providing instruction in both reading and writing to adults or children in a professional or public setting.  

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience providing administrative support (e.g., database management, record maintenance) in an agency whose primary purpose is to: (1) Teach adults and children; and/or (2) manage, coordinate, or administer a volunteer service is highly desirable.  

License:  

Possession of a valid California Class C Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.    

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Literacy materials, techniques, methodologies, practices, and principles.
• Tutoring techniques and assessments.
• Curriculum development.
• Personal computers including word processing and software applications related to database management.  

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity while working effectively with individuals of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, motivations, or backgrounds.
• Plan and organize.
• Adapt to change.
• Evaluate, analyze, and problem solve.
• Use interpersonal skills, including teamwork and collaborations.
• Learn and utilize technology.

NE:po 1/25/2007

Newspecs:  4121.doc

CSC Date:    12/5/2007

SK:sa Revised 07/15/2021

CSC Date: 10/20/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.