Early Grade Literacy Specialist

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Position: Early Grade Literacy Specialist
Reports To: School and Community Relations Manager
Type: Part-Time (Up to 10 hours per week)
Position Summary: Coordinate and facilitate programs for participants in our Early Grade Literacy program (Discovery). Discovery is designed for girls in grades K-3 and helps children develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become proficient readers by the fourth grade. The program uses literacy-based enrichment activities to make reading fun while building critical early literacy skills.

To Apply, please send cover letter and resume in PDF format to: Brionna Pendleton, School & Community Relations Manager bpendleton@girlsincpa-nj.org – The subject line of the email should include your full name and “Girls Inc. Early Grade Literacy Specialist”.

Organization Description: Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (GIGPSNJ) is committed to providing opportunities to empower girls and support women by advancing their rights and opportunities through education and advocacy. Our mission is to inspire all girls and young women to be strong, smart, and bold. Reducing the barriers, they face and reforming systems that impede their success is fundamental to our mission. In partnership with schools and at our Girls Inc. center, we focus on the development of the whole girl. We approach this work with an equity lens, focusing on the needs of girls from low-income communities and girls of color, who face multiple, intersectional challenges. We are committed to girl-centered advocacy, informed by the lived experiences of girls in our network, and girl-led advocacy that lifts their voices and empowers them to be change agents in their communities and beyond. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. GIGPSNJ serves over 2,500 girls annually.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation

Oversee the implementation of Girls Inc.’s Discovery, an Early Grade Literacy program, for girls in grades K-3.
Prepare curricula, materials, supplies, and equipment for program and enrichment acitivities focused on Literacy, STEAM, Health, Leadership and Career Exploration.
Establish a positive rapport and create a safe engaging learning environment for all participants ensuring that all youth feel welcome and engaged in the program.
Ensure program attendance and evaluation reports are completed accurately and timely.
Utilize Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) to assess girls’ early literacy and early reading skills quickly and accurately and to facilitate targeted literacy support.
Plan, coordinate, and execute special events and projects that include workshops, field trips, guest speakers, and family engagements.
Communicate with parents regarding current program content, goals, and outcomes.
Act in accordance with Girls Inc. purpose, policies, and goals.
Other duties as assigned.

Reporting & Evaluation

Provide constructive feedback to participants’ progress and encourage academic excellence.
Collect and track program data including demographics, pre- and post-surveys, and feedback forms.
Generate written reports as required. Maintain required paperwork with accuracy—logs, attendance, records, etc. for purposes of evaluation/reports.
Discuss with program team to identify areas for program support, growth, and expansion.

Professional Development

Participate in local and national Girls Inc. staff meetings, trainings, and conferences essential to the execution of job functions.
Participate in periodic assessment of own performance, develops own goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Demonstrated effectiveness, collaboration, integrity, optimism, and energy levels.
Ability to work as part of a team and individually.
Consistently report to program site as scheduled.
Experience facilitating meetings and working in groups.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
At least one year of experience working with students.
Must submit COVID-19 vaccination card.
Working towards Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field.
Must submit up-to-date clearances, including FBI criminal fingerprints, Child Abuse History Verification, and State criminal background check.

Requirements

Must be able to work two Saturdays each month, September to June (up to 6 hours each session) and one weekday per week (approximately 2-4 hours).

Compensation: $18/hour
Location: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)—Discovery is delivered on-site at the Girls Inc. Center, remotely, and at other local partner sites as agreed with the supervisor.