Location
Houston, TX | United States
Job description
Position Description
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History What began in 1921 and the years following as a collection of small libraries housed in stores, post offices and private homes has grown into a system of 26 branch buildings, 2 technology service centers, and 2 partner locations offering collection/circulation services. HCPL operates branches in unincorporated parts of Harris County and cities which do not have their own library systems.
Citizenship Specialist II Overview: Under the supervision of the Program, Partnerships, and Outreach Division Director, the Specialist II – Citizenship will provide education to adult learners for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) exams. This includes preparing learners for the USCIS History and Civics Exam, as well as the English Competency Exam. The Specialist II will offer ESL instruction to adult learners who are getting ready for the naturalization interview and exam, assisting with coordinating Citizenship classes, providing support, education, and connection to local resources.
This position is grant-funded and authorize to December 31, 2026. This position will adhere to the grant funded guidelines and is contingent upon continued grant funding.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provides quality instruction to adult learners who are interested in applying for citizenship, integrating meaningful classroom activities and valuable experience that facilitate student’s learning goals and workforce skills
- Supports Immigration and Citizenship Program at community centers and partner locations by assuring that students are making levels and gains and by managing students in this program
- Acts as a liaison and serves as an advocate for the adult learner throughout the citizenship program.
- Supports Coordinator III of the Citizenship Program with data collection
- Manage literacy collections and materials that enhance student experience.
- Evaluate existing collections and order new materials in collaboration with the Collection Development Department.
- Develops and nurtures community partnerships with literacy organizations.
- Supports Immigration and Citizenship Program with outreach activities
- Serves as a liaison with the immigrant and refugee community
- Maintains a current awareness of research and programs in the field of literacy
- Other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
UNOFFICIAL COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION
Education & Experience: - Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Services, Social Sciences, or other related field in an accredited college or university
- Two (2) years of full-time experience in literacy programs or special education experience
OR - Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university with an Education, Human Services, Social Sciences, or related emphasis
- Four (4) years of full-time experience in literacy programs or special education experience
OR - High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- Six (6) years of full-time experience in literacy programs or special education experience
Additional Requirements: - Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to work easily with multi-generational populations in community, community agencies, and college settings.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with program participants and community partners.
- Knowledge of federal refugee and immigration statutes and legislation
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present information effectively in group settings and one-on-one interactions.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in resolving problems and making decisions.
- Ability to apply interviewing techniques and methods for obtaining and communicating information.
- Passion for engaging, embracing, and celebrating the culture, ethnic diversity, and community values
- Customer service principles and interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and promote positive partnership and public relation
- Ability to exhibit a sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of individuals and individuals with disabilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
- Skill in self-discipline, dependability, and ability to work independently
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and modern technology
- Must use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process
NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation
but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
- Experience in a library or public sector environment management (preferred)
Language:
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-time | Grant-funded – 40 hours a week
- Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
- May require attending meetings, council sessions, or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
Salary: - $27.04 Per Hour
- Paid Biweekly
This position is grant-funded and authorize to December 31, 2026. This position will adhere to the grant funded guidelines and is contingent upon continued grant funding.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: - This job typically operates in a professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.
- Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell).
- Daily use of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
- At times, work may be performed in an outdoor environment and may have possible exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.
- Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
- Sitting for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.
- Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds.
Reporting Relationships: - Reports To Position: Program, Partnerships, and Outreach Division Director
- Supervises Positions: None
Work Location:
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
- 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
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