Literacy Specialist - Juvenile Facilities Next Chapter Library (Fixed-Term)

Ventura County; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Ventura County Library seeks a Literacy Specialist to coordinate literacy services for incarcerated youth at the Next Chapter Library, a joint venture with the Probation Agency. You will recruit and train volunteers, assess learner needs, and provide individualized literacy support while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The role involves administering reading assessments, developing instructional materials, and reporting learner outcomes.

Qualifications

• Two years teaching reading and English phonics.
• Two years leading or supervising others.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate READ programming across literacy areas.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support volunteer tutors.
• Monitor learner progress and assess literacy outcomes.
• Maintain program records and submit required reports.
• Collaborate with facility staff to schedule activities.
• Liaise with partner agencies to assess learner needs.
• Plan and promote READ activities.
• Ensure a safe, respectful learning environment.

Skills

Volunteer supervision

Literacy instruction

Assessment administration

Data reporting

Communication with teens

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or reading and literacy

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Databases

Job description

THE DEPARTMENT

Ventura County Library connects people, ideas, and opportunities through free access to information, technology, lifelong learning, and welcoming community spaces. It serves residents through 12 branches across Ventura County, two Mobile Libraries, and library services at the Ventura County Probation Agency's Juvenile Facilities.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, the Literacy Specialist coordinates literacy services for incarcerated youth at the Juvenile Facilities Next Chapter Library, a partnership between Ventura County Library and the Ventura County Probation Agency. The position recruits, screens trains, and supports volunteer tutors; assesses learner needs and progress; provides individualized literacy support and educational resources; and facilitates opportunities that encourage reading, learning, and personal growth. The Literacy Specialist fosters positive, supportive relationships with youth, volunteers, Library staff, and facility personnel while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Duties include administering and interpreting literacy assessments; developing and providing appropriate instructional materials; communicating learner progress and instructional strategies to tutors; monitoring and documenting learner outcomes; maintaining program records and materials; submitting required reports; coordinating with facility staff regarding programming, schedules, and access; and proactively identifying program needs, challenges, and opportunities and recommending solutions to the Program Manager and Juvenile Facilities staff.

PAYROLL TITLE: Staff/Services Specialist I

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Library Services Agency, Adult Literacy

Staff/Services Specialist I is represented by SEIU and is eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: Fixed-Term positions are Regular positions for a specific duration of time. This Fixed-Term position is anticipated to expire on June 30, 2027.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Opening date: Monday, August 24, 2026.

Closing date: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.

Review of applications: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis beginning the week of August 31, 2026. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supervises the activities of volunteer tutors and adult learners during in-person or virtual sessions online, at the library, or off-site locations such as schools and/or correctional facilities;
• Coordinates READ programming in one or all of the following areas: adult basic education, English as a second language, family literacy, and/or workforce and digital literacy, which includes event planning, curriculum development, content evaluation, and direct instruction;
• Helps READ participants achieve their goals by monitoring progress and achievement, administering reading assessments, screening prospective volunteer tutors and adult learners, and matching learning pairs;
• Analyzes program efficacy, demonstrating a high level of cultural sensitivity and awareness, presenting instructional strategies, and making referrals to relevant wraparound services within the community;
• Trains and manages volunteer tutors regarding program expectations, educational best practices, safety procedures, and facility codes of conduct;
• Maintains necessary records and materials, which includes tracking, analyzing, and reporting data;
• Serves as liaison with partner agencies to assess adult learner needs and interests;
• Communicates and plans READ activities with the Program Manager and maintains READ instructional and promotional materials with the Administrative Assistant; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process, possession of which assures neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training, education and experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities can also be obtained by the following:

• Two (2) years of experience teaching reading and English phonics AND
• Two (2)years leading or supervising others

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff at all levels, volunteers, and community groups
• Ability to communicate effectively with teens and young adults
• Effective written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Some proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

DESIRED

• Experience supervising others
• Bachelor’s degree in education or reading and literacy, or a related field
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities
• Experience using databases.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective supervision;
• Methods and practices of teaching reading, including English phonics instruction, remediation of reading difficulties in the context of learning differences/disabilities.

Ability to:

• Quickly establish rapport and conduct an effective and comfortable interview to assess literacy levels and needs;
• Administer and interpret reading assessment tests;
• Select appropriate instructional materials and strategies and explain their use to a volunteer;
• Work with a diverse group of people using a high level of sensitivity for people with learning disabilities or cultural differences;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and community groups;
• Exercise independent judgment to function independently and in a team environment;
• Exercise discretion and mature judgement while following and enforcing rules;
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of competence; to organize and prioritize duties and manage time effectively;
• Explain department policies and procedures and serve as departmental resource and liaison;
• Draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations or adjustments as needed;
• Prepare various reports by tracking, collecting, compiling, and analyzing relevant, necessary information;
• Communicate effectively with teens and young adults.

Skill in:

• Utilizing modern officer methods and applicable software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and email programs such as Outlook and databases;
• Written and oral communication.

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.

ELIGIBLE LIST

Applicants successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill existing and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent and Extra Help vacancies for this and similar positions only within Library Services Agency. There is currently one (1) Regular Fixed-Term vacancy with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027. This position has a part-time schedule of approximately 10 hours per week.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. For further information about this recruitment, please contact Esmeralda Oseguera by email at [e-mail] or by telephone [phone].