Library Program Specialist- Literacy Services

Job Summary

NOTE: The eligibility list that will be established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill both bilingual and non-bilingual vacancies that occur during the life of the eligibility list. There is currently one vacancy in the Library Department and a second anticipated vacancy pending City Council approval. One of the vacancies is for a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) position in the Branch and Neighborhood Services Division and the second anticipated vacancy is for a full-time non-bilingual position in the Branch and Neighborhood Services Division (pending City Council approval).

DEFINITION

Collaborates with Library Adult & Neighborhood and Youth Services staff to support the design, implementation, and evaluation of specialized programs and services for literacy clients and their families in the Library system.

SUPERVISION

Receives general supervision from the Librarian III -Adult & Neighborhood Services and/or designee. May provide work direction to clerical staff.

Representative Duties

Collaborates with Adult & Neighborhood and Youth Services staff to support the implementation and evaluation of education and training programs for literacy clients and their families that align with the Library’s strategic plan.

Participates in neighborhood outreach and serves as a liaison to cultural, community, service organizations and schools.

Participates in the preparation and planning of client materials in order to showcase recommended reading lists, as well as literacy programs and services.

Conducts studies and surveys; updates, maintains and reviews data records; and assists in preparing a variety of reports, including grant, customer satisfaction, and monthly data reports.

Confers with and informs the Adult & Neighborhood and Youth Services staff of new program initiatives in order to meet critical needs of literacy services; ensures programs are at the appropriate development level for program participants.

Connects clients and their families with community-based resources to assist with additional social, economic, and educational needs.

Provides assistance to internal and external customers in person, by telephone, and online by recommending and locating library materials and resources.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles of literacy program development and implementation
Principles and practices of literacy materials and techniques
Adult learning theory and andragogy
Multi-cultural outreach strategies
Current office procedures, practices, and equipment
Computer software applications, including spreadsheets and word processing
Basic mathematics
Principles of recordkeeping
Report writing techniques
Business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Principles and methods of conducting research
Principles of maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
Principles of customer service
Use of social media tools
Principles of communication

Ability to:

Prepare, implement, and evaluate a variety of library literacy programs and services
Use data to drive programming development, implementation, and evaluation
Work effectively with individuals with literacy needs, as well as other Library users and their respective families
Cultivate partnerships and collaboration opportunities with community organizations and other literacy-focused agencies
Generate and review reports, data, and program outcomes
Serve as a resource and provide information to library patrons and community members regarding programs, services, and related activities
Prepare written reports and maintain records
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Respond to inquiries in a tactful manner
Prioritize work to meet deadlines
Use independent judgement and initiative
Work effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Provide effective customer service
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City employees, the community, youth-based associations, and the public

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or the equivalent.

Experience: Four years of experience developing, coordinating, implementing, and supporting programs and services and/or educational classes and activities for literacy clients and their families. Experience must have included providing customer service. An associate degree or 60 semester units at an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:
Bilingual skills.
Experience working in a library.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid class C driver license, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is regularly performed within the environment of the library and requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, stepping on a step stool, and lifting of light equipment or library materials. Incumbents are required to work nights and weekends and may be required to work irregular hours and/or report to off-site assignments.

Supplemental Information

Supplemental Information:

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note , applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following:

Oral Exam

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS :
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 4/2/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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