Literacy and Immigrant Services Coordinator

Do you have a strong desire to help others achieve success? Are you experienced with networking and fostering relationships in a community? The Schaumburg Township District Library is looking for a creative, socially-attuned Literacy & Immigrant Services Coordinator. This position will lead our activities focused on English as a Second Language (ESL) learning and develop connections with individuals and local organizations that represent the immigrant and refugee community. Important roles in this position include those as ambassador, advocate, literacy program and services designer, mentor, and project manager. Successful candidates will be comfortable communicating to diverse groups of people and have experience with establishing and/or maintaining collaborative partnerships.

Hours and work week will be shaped by the opportunities created by the position which will include evenings and weekend hours. The Literacy & Immigrant Services Coordinator reports to the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. The salary rate range for this position is $51,500 to $63,389; based on skills and qualifications.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Literacy & Immigrant Services Coordinator is responsible for leading our activities focused on English as a Second Language (ESL) learning and developing connections with individuals and local organizations that serve immigrant and refugee groups in our community. The Literacy & Immigrant Services Coordinator must also serve as an ambassador, advocate, literacy program and services designer, mentor, and project manager.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

1. Ability to be a team-player and work pleasantly and effectively with all patrons, staff, supervisors, and others.
2. Ability to learn various job functions, perform them correctly, and understand the necessity in overall library operations.
3. Ability to independently function efficiently in a changing and varied environment with frequent interruptions.
4. Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on details.
5. Ability to follow all library policies and procedures.
6. Demonstrates commitment to incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into everyday work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES:

• Organize, implement and evaluate the Library’s literacy and citizenship programming, including-conversation clubs, book discussions, resource demonstrations, citizenship classes.
• Plan, schedule and staff programs that are offered both in-person and online, via Zoomand other platforms.
• Oversee the library’s Literacy/ESL programs in coordination with community education providers.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with local volunteer literacy, high school continuing education, and other literacy organizations.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the library-led and community education -provided literacy programs.
• Collaborate with the Library‘s partners to evaluate, select and maintain an appropriate inventory of up-to-date textbooks, software, and other learning materials for non-reader and low-level readers and ESL students.
• Connect immigrant communities to Library programs and services to ensure that the Library’s mission is being met in every segment of its population.
• Provide one-on-one patron assistance for ESL and citizenship referrals etc. both virtually and in-person.
• Serve as liaison with immigrant community and immigrant-serving community groups, and identify and analyze emerging community issues and needs to help determine direction for programs and services.
• Maintain an awareness of new literature, technology and trends in the profession as they relate to serving ESL learners and immigrants.
• Serve on a public service desk 4-8 hours a week, if requested.
• Maintain an awareness of products, services, modern library practices and trends by staying abreast of library and literacy literature, news media, and blogs.Proactively seek out and recommend areas for improvement and innovation.
• Present expertise in Literacy at seminars and conferences, as requested.
• Regularly evaluates all aspects of the literacy education within the Programs and Outreach area to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service.
• Participate in general Library Outreach activities in the community.
• Support and participate in department and Library programs and activities, as requested.
• Assess patrons needs effectively and efficiently, either in person, over the telephone, or in writing.
• Develop strong research skills and techniques to help patrons to the fullest degree possible.
• Work with all age groups effectively.
• Give information, based on a primary source from a reliable authority; never give personal opinion.
• Serve as “Person in Charge” of Library, in the absence of director and department heads.
• Manage and complete special projects, as requested.
• Maintain working knowledge of and instruct patrons in the use of the Library’s reference tools and material, the online catalog, and the Internet.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Library’s circulating collection.
• Stay informed about the names of the officials, organizations, clubs, businesses, schools, social agencies, etc. in the greater Schaumburg area.
• Keep appraised of the offerings of neighboring public and special libraries, their strengths and weaknesses.
• Attend meetings and training as required or requested.
• Treat all patrons and employees fairly and with an open mind; maintain patron and employee confidentiality.
• Clear communicate in person, on the telephone, and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and to work effectively as a team member.
• Provide professional courtesy to all patrons and staff members.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master of Library Science (MLS degree), or equivalent experience working with English Language Learners and/or the immigrant community.Working knowledge or word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and social media platforms is required.

The deadline to apply for the job posting is:

November 15th, 2023

Schaumburg Township District Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer