Reading Programs Site Facilitator

Reading Program Facilitator - Nevada Sites

Nevada, IA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Raising Readers in Story County (RRSC) is a grassroots nonprofit serving children and families in Story County with the mission “to support the language and literacy development of young children by providing books, caregiver guidance, and early childhood programs.” RRSC puts meaningful books in the hands of children, educates and supports parents and caregivers, and collaborates with community partners to provide early childhood programming.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The reading program facilitator assists Raising Readers in Story County in fostering the literacy skills of early elementary children. This is a part-time temporary position that will start in early September and end in late fall with the potential for recurring work in the spring and/or summer. The reading program facilitator develops lesson plans for each reading support session, gathers materials for students based on individual interests and abilities, and forwards plans to program volunteers via email. Reading program facilitators oversee reading support sessions, participate in training, and support program volunteers. Ongoing volunteer support is critical in this role and involves monitoring student/volunteer sessions, redirecting student attention, offering guidance/support on student interaction, and discussing student daily/weekly progress with stakeholders. Reading program facilitators are responsible for ensuring safety requirements are understood and upheld by all volunteers. Training is provided to develop effective session plans and deliver a positive participant experience. 

This position reports to the Youth Literacy Programs Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee, communicate with, and provide support for program volunteers
• Contact substitute volunteers and/or fill in as needed
• Assist volunteers in child supervision as needed
• Develop session plans for and forward plans to stakeholders as needed
• Gather reading materials for students based on interests and abilities
• Ensure all materials are returned to RRSC after the conclusion of each session
• Communicate with stakeholders and parents of participants
• Communicate with program manager on a weekly basis or as need arises
• Fill out progress sheets (including pre and post tests) and attendance records for each child 
• Prepare locations for program sessions by setting up tables and chairs, distributing student materials, and laying out books  
• Ensure all children remain under supervision until parent pick up and all other safety protocols are followed
• Submit end of session site report at the end of the program 

DEMONSTRATED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have attained or pursuing a degree in child and family serving fields such as Education, Human Development and Family Studies, or related areas
• Experience working with children (preference given to experience working with children in the area of literacy)
• Access to reliable transportation to travel between Ames and Nevada
• 1 year of work or volunteer experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Fluent with the English language
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to supervise students and volunteers
• Ability to work effectively with both a team and independently
• Competency with Google technology (Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, etc.)
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Written communication skills
• Ability to organize session plans and explain them to volunteers
• Effective interpersonal relationship building skills 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Demonstrated reliability, including consistent attendance and timely completion of assigned tasks

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Speech Requirements: 

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Ability to speak in a pleasant, well controlled voice to exchange information and lead others, while maintaining professionalism. 

Communication: 

Ability to use email, verbal, and telephone communications. 

Vision Requirements:

Full color vision is preferred. Near vision required.

Hearing Requirements:

Ability to listen attentively for volunteer and student communication. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

Physical Activity Requirements:

Position requires sitting and standing for extended durations. Work occasionally involves lifting and moving of objects such as tables, chairs, and books.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an indoors, climate controlled environment. Reading program facilitators are not exposed to adverse environmental conditions during their work. Must be able to work under time constraints. Will work with other individuals as well as independently depending on the work being done.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Employment Category: Part-Time Temporary 

Compensation: $15/hour

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits

HOURS AND SCHEDULE:

Approximately 8-10 hours per week during program cycles with a set base schedule corresponding to late afternoon program sessions (3:45 pm - 5:15 pm) two afternoons per week and a set Wednesday schedule of (8:45 am - 10:15 am and 12:45 pm - 2:15 pm). Weekly planning schedule to be mutually agreed upon. Collaborative planning and work sessions will occur at the RRSC office in North Grand Mall. 

TO APPLY: 

Please complete the RRSC Application Blank which can be found at:

www.raising-readers.org/about-us/job-openings

Please email your completed application blank to Elizabeth Yusko, Youth Literacy Programs Manager, at: elizabethyusko@raising-readers.org

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Raising Readers in Story County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, 

welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. 

A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.

Any offer of employment at Raising Readers in Story County is conditioned upon 

passing a pre-employment criminal background check. Employees may be required to perform tasks and work under conditions which have not been included in this job description.