Job Title: Reading Specialist - Brownsville
Department: Youth & Teen Services
Reports to: Regional Director, Youth and Teen Services
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Revision Date: April 2023

Background
Good Samaritan Community Services is a 501(c) 3 organization that provides comprehensive services to more than 3,500 individuals and 1,200 families in various locations in South and West Texas. Since 1939 we have focused on serving the social, educational and health equity needs of our neighbors in meeting our missions to actively serve as a catalyst for change, supporting youth, individuals, and families by providing excellent community services to overcome economic poverty.

We do this through a continuum of services designed to stabilize families, establish nurturing relationships, and foster self-sufficiency in those we serve through the programs and supports we provided via our Family Services and Youth and Teen Departments. Good Samaritan began as a downtown mission of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in 1939 and was established as an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas in 1951 under the leadership of Bishop Everett Jones in 1951.

Position Summary
The Reading Specialists primary responsibility is to improve the reading and comprehension skills of youth participating in Good Sam’s Youth and Teen Services (YTS) nationally recognized summer learning program, Camp Good Sam. Reading Specialists work extensively with students to help them improve specific reading skills such as letter-naming, initial sounds, phoneme segmentation, and comprehension strategies. A Specialist addresses the specific needs of a particular child when regular classroom instruction is not sufficient. Specialists work with Camp program staff to design methods of learning that are most appropriate for each child.

Required Education and Experience

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Major coursework in Education, Reading, or related field preferred.
• TExES Reading Specialist (151) Certifications or TExES Generalist EC-6 preferred. Other teaching certificates may be considered.
• Ability to set and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines by being reliable and punctual.
• Knowledge of math intervention principles and concepts required.
• Leading youth groups and team-building experience required.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational, time management, and follow-up skills

Essential Duties & Functions

• Demonstrate adherence to the CORE values of Good Samaritan Community Services.
• Help students develop proficient reading skills that will contribute to their academic growth.
• Identify target areas of growth.
• Design interventions and write lesson plans detailing methods and materials.
• Teach one on one remedial reading as needed.
• Assist in the evaluation of ongoing programs and make recommendations for change.
• Assist program staff and other administrators and/or supervisors in implementing the school-ready reading program.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff and school partners.
• Incorporate research-based instructional strategies in reading intervention.
• Work with staff to coordinate the administration and implementation of learning assessments, as needed.
• Work with program staff to assess the effectiveness and success of the curriculum and recommend changes based on a review and analysis of the data.
• Work with the Senior Director and Director to analyze assessment data to inform curriculum development and ensure high levels of teaching performance.
• Provide role model instruction in the classroom on an as needed basis.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None.

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, you must be able to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, type, and/or operate a motor vehicle. You must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and adjust your focus with good hand-eye coordination. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Expected Hours of Work
This is a seasonal, full-time summer position which begins June 5th and ends July 21st. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 4:45 PM with a total of 280 work hours. Hours and dates may change based on agency needs.

Travel
Local travel may be required.

Benefits and Compensation
Salary is $18.50/hour. Compensation offered for this position is based upon the successful candidate’s education, skills, and experience.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Multiple Locations