Literacy Zone Welcome Center Coordinator

Overview

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book. 

Brooklyn Public Library Adult Learning Program offers student-centered adult literacy services throughout Brooklyn's communities. We are currently seeking a full-time Literacy Zone Coordinator to support participants in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) High School Equivalency (HSE) program within the Literacy Zone Welcome Center at the Eastern Parkway Library.

The Literacy Zone Coordinator will play a critical role in ensuring that program participants are informed about free resources and services that can help overcome barriers to achieving their educational goals. This individual will work closely with the WIOA HSE team and instructors to meet the needs of participants.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of the Literacy Zone

• Supervising and training the Literacy Zone Case Manager

• Building and maintaining relationships with community partners

• Coordinating and facilitating informational workshops and community events

• Managing program data for the Eastern Parkway Literacy Zone

The Literacy Zone Coordinator will be instrumental in providing a supportive and resource-rich environment for adult learners striving to achieve their educational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Literacy Zone, ensuring program targets are met and maintaining relationships with community partners to support participant success.

• Conduct educational/vocational assessments and create individualized service plans for approximately 100 clients per year.

• Provide one-on-one and small group services, including counseling on career, academic, and social needs, linking participants to resources to help them transition out of poverty.

• Plan and coordinate community events, ensuring alignment with program goals.

• Assist foreign-born participants in navigating the American workforce and pursuing post-secondary education, apprenticeships, or training.

• Support outreach, recruitment, assessments, orientations, and goal-setting activities.

• Collaborate with staff and instructors to identify and address barriers to participants' educational success.

• Refer participants to community partners for additional services, such as health and financial literacy.

• Assist participants in accessing supportive services, including computer literacy, transportation, public assistance, and childcare.

• Facilitate workshops and information sessions, as needed.

• Attend community partner and case management meetings, tracking progress and maintaining detailed case notes in the ASISTS database.

• Monitor participant progress and provide regular follow-up.

• Perform other duties to support program goals as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field; relevant experience in adult education (ESOL or HSE)
• Strong awareness of the barriers facing adult learners looking to integrate workforce, technology, and academic environment.
• Relevant experience in counseling individuals and/or facilitating informational sessions
• Must have a good knowledge of the available educational, training, and employment resources.
• Good knowledge of labor market trends and requirements and the skill, abilities and experiences required in a wide variety of occupations.
• Initiative and resourcefulness; tact and courtesy; Good judgement and problem solving ability
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Google Drive, Outlook, Social Media
• Able to travel to various program sites throughout the week and work alternate Saturdays, evenings, and day shifts

Schedule:

Mon./Wed./Fri. 9:30-5:00

Tues./Thurs 12:45-8:00 

two Saturdays a month 9:00-3:00

Must be willing to travel and work from various library branches within the Literacy Zone target area.

*Complete 14 hours of professional development per year.

This is a grant-funded opportunity through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal based on work performance.  Contracts are renewed annually based on performance.  The work week is 35 hours per week at $50,000 per year salary.