Family Literacy Specialist

Make Way for Books is looking to hire a Family Literacy Specialist for our Family Education and Literacy Program (FEL).

Position will be open until filled. First application review date: February 17, 2025

The FEL program is an intensive, two-generation, bilingual program where children, birth - 5 years, and their parents/caregivers learn together each week in a positive group setting. The model fosters community among participants as they explore and build connections around books. Children are immersed in books and literacy activities that foster their development of literacy, language, and social-emotional skills as well as positive approaches to learning they need to thrive in school and beyond. The adults gain skills and tools to support their children’s early development.

Here are a few of the benefits of working with us:

• 4 weeks of paid time off during your first year of employment (including a paid week of winter break), with additional PTO every year you work here
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance Retirement match (for fulltime employees) Annual professional development provided
• More children’s books than you could ever read!

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Family Literacy Specialist

REPORTS TO: Assistant Program Director

SUPERVISES: NA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

CATEGORY: Staff – Regular

FULL TIME/PART TIME: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Position Summary

Family Literacy Specialists provide fun and meaningful early literacy education to families with children ages birth to five. Literacy programs are offered as a weekly series where parents and children learn together. Parents are empowered to foster their child’s emergent literacy and language skills through play-based interactions. Responsibilities include recruiting families, implementing curriculum with fidelity, data collection and analysis, and resource distribution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate twogeneration, strengthsbased Family Education & Literacy workshops/classes multiple times per week at inperson community locations and/or virtual settings.
• Recruit, enroll, and retain eligible participants to meet target outputs and outcomes, using a variety of communication methods and family support best practices.
• Administer, analyze, collect, and compile qualitative and quantitative data from program participants (pre/post surveys, interviews, assessments, etc.)
• Maintain meticulous records to document compliance and progress toward goals and outcomes.
• Represent Make Way for Books at community gatherings, meetings, and events to connect with various stakeholders
• Assist with organizing and facilitating the distribution of books and materials to program participants
• Keep abreast of the latest research, resources, and best practices in the fields of children’s literature, early literacy, family support, and twogeneration change.
• Related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or other closely related field
• Fluency in Spanish language
• Three years of professional experience in early literacy and childhood education
• Ability to obtain Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card upon hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Acts with integrity and excellence; embodies the Make Way for Books Core Values
• Knowledge of early childhood development, especially related to early language, communication, and emergent literacy
• Experience facilitating workshops for families to provide learning for adults & children
• Familiarity with both early childhood and adult learning principles
• Experience presenting to adults and a strong understanding of adult learning principles.
• Honors diversity and interacts with others in a culturally and linguistically competent manner
• Possesses positive interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills
• Proficient computer skills including word processing, data entry, internet research, and other platforms
• Reliable transportation and the ability to work during evenings and weekends
• Transportation to and from the work site is the responsibility of the employee
• Impeccable planning and organization skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• This position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week and occasional weekends and evenings
• Must be able to work onsite to assigned location as requested by Leadership
• Intermittent physical activity including bending, reaching, and lifting up to 40 lbs
• Will be required to work extended periods in front of a computer screen
• Ability to work in diverse weather for outdoor events: heat, cold, and wind

THE INTENT OF THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION IS TO PROVIDE A REPRESENTATIVE SUMMARY OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY INCUMBENTS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB-RELATED TASKS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY PRESENTED IN THIS DESCRIPTION.

About Make Way For Books