Position Title: Program Assistant

Reports To: Executive Director

Overview:  Provide communication and support, conduct assessments and intake evaluations, and assist with program orientations for adult learners 

About The Literacy Connection

The Literacy Connection is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping adults acquire fundamental literacy skills by teaching them to read, write, speak, and understand English through one-on-one, small group, and workplace tutoring. Founded in 1984 by Gail Borden Public Library staff, The Literacy Connection now serves 16 northwester Chicago suburban communities. The office is located at the main library branch in downtown Elgin and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Work schedule and type:

This is an exempt, part-time regular employee position with up to 28 hours allowed per week. Hours can be flexible with The Literacy Connection’s open office hours with occasional evenings and weekend hours for adult learner testing or volunteer tutor orientation..

Rate of pay and benefits:

Hourly base rate is between $14-16 per hour based on experience. No benefits are available for this position other than 7 prorated paid holidays over the calendar year. Currently, the state of Illinois does offer a retirement plan for part-time employees called Illinois Secure Choice.

Specific Duties:

Prospective and Active Learners:

• Maintain referrals and contact information for learners.
• Answer calls and greet people coming into the office inquiring about the agency’s literacy services and programming.
• Document initial intake data from prospective learners and conduct preliminary orientations to explain agency’s programming expectations and requirements.
• Communicate with prospective and current learners, tutors, and instructors.
• Add learners to the tutor waitlist and refer them to other literacy providers or social services organizations as appropriate for their needs.
• Create and update digital/paper files for learners and tutors.
• Communicate regularly with Program Coordinator regarding record keeping, scheduling of activities, and learner activities.
• Assist with planning programs for each fiscal year.

Literacy Testing:

• Ensure efficient and timely pre- and post-testing of adult and family literacy learners in a timely fashion.
• Determine appropriate literacy test to be given to a new/existing learners (agency uses CASAS).
• Coordinate assessment dates for all programs for pre- and post-testing.
• Test new learners prior to the beginning of tutoring or classroom sessions.
• Schedule assessments (tests) meetings which may be outside of normal office hours.
• Monitor changes in testing requirements on a state and national level.
• Maintain proctor status for CASAS testing by continued certification on an as needed basis.

Learner Support:

• Provide learner and tutoring pairs with support and feedback regarding tutoring sessions.
• Attend literacy programs on a regular basis (in coordination with the Program Coordinator) to ensure learners receive support and feedback.
• Collect learner data and information through the creation of intake surveys and questionnaires that will be shared with the Executive Director, Program Coordinator, and Data Manager for quarterly reports and programming purposes.
• Refer learners to appropriate personnel and resources as needed.
• Provide learners with information regarding agency and community-wide workshops, services, resources, and events as applicable.

Other Duties:

• Complete reports as required for grant reporting and program management.
• Assist with and attend agency fundraisers as needed.
• Respond to telephone calls and inquiry emails.
• Assist with the planning and execution of recognition events for tutors and learners.
• Stay abreast of the latest ideas on training methods, testing requirements, and materials through attendance at local and regional in-services, meetings, and conferences (as approved by the Executive Director). 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Literacy Connection values diversity and equality and voluntarily follows a policy of creating a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. The Literacy Connection has adopted respect and fairness as its core values. We comply with the spirit of the employment laws as a matter of ethics and conscience, and we comply with all applicable laws.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards
• High school diploma or equivalent. Some college preferred.
• Proficiency in written and oral English required.
• Proficiency in written and oral Spanish required.
• Sensitive to the needs of adult learners.

Knowledge/Skills  

• Ability to adjust work schedule to attend meetings and events outside normal working hours 
• Ability to make maximum use of work time and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a collaborative working style.

Technology

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites, scheduling apps such as Calendly and WhatsApp and database management programs such as Google Workspace, Canva, CASAS or LACES.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry testing materials, books, presentation boards, and/or small equipment not to exceed 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with computer, mouse, copy machine, printer, telephone, and calculator.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, car (or valid means of transportation), and valid auto insurance for travel to offsite locations