Job Description

Philly Reading Coaches (PRC) is a program based on proven models, that combines early reading support, access to books, and community volunteers to boost reading skills for our city’s children.  The program works by pairing trained volunteers with young students – kindergarten through 3rd grade, and by providing fun and child-guided reading experiences that help build reading skills and motivation.  Each child in the program also receives 25 free books to take home.

The Site Coordinator (SC) serves as the key liaison for the PRC program within the Community School. In this role, SC’s will lead a team of committed volunteers focused on improving the literacy levels and love of reading for student in grades K-3. The SC’s will be responsible for managing the volunteers as well as the student-volunteer sessions at assigned sites ensuring that the program is implemented with fidelity. SC’s will report to the OST Community Schools Manager.   

All PRC programs operate during the school year in the hours after school (typically Mon-Thurs, between 3-6PM) and mirror the School District of Philadelphia’s school calendar (including days off and holidays). All Site Coordinators will be required to attend 10-12 hours of paid training, prior to the program launch. Coordinators are expected to attend monthly Site Coordinator team meetings throughout the year and support with community events for their assigned site.

This is a contracted position being offered for a stipend. Stipend Site Coordinators will be compensated at a rate of $15.00 per hour, with roughly 5-7 hours per week anticipated. Preparation for PRC programs will begin in January 2022; the program will run January 2022 to June 2022. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties of the Site Coordinator include:

Reading Session Coordination

• Create a welcoming, organized, and comfortable reading space
• Ensure volunteers understand their role and that both volunteers and students have a meaningful experience by providing ongoing coaching
• Work with PRC staff and community volunteers to schedule reading pairs between volunteers and students- creating an environment that promotes ongoing mentoring relationships
• Provide oversight during all reading sessions to help children and volunteer readers select books, answer questions, observe and offer reading tips, and ensure safety and security procedures are followed
• Assist with volunteer retention helping to ensure every selected child has a volunteer reader
• Ensure adherence to PRC’s Volunteer Code of Conduct, Cancellation Policy, Background Checks, and site-specific emergency protocols
• Attend on-going trainings, meetings, and community events throughout the year

Communication

• Establish regular and effective communication with parents, volunteers, and support staff as needed 
• Communicate with Regional Coordinators on a weekly basis

Data Collection

• Collect program data (students, volunteers, books read) and submit weekly reports to Regional Coordinators using CitySpan, PRC’s database system
• Assist in conducting student surveys

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Advocate of children’s literacy and dedication to serving the community
• Positive and open-minded personality; has flexibility and adaptability in work style
• Able to use and access technology proficiently; comfortable with digital devices including but not limited to computer and/or mobile devices
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to lead trainings and coach volunteer readers as necessary
• Comfortable speaking with families and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds
• Ability to work independently, while maintaining communication with RC’s
• Understand of the importance of adhering to the literacy model, guidelines and expectations
• Reliability and a strong commitment to attendance at the program and other meeting and trainings throughout the year

Qualifications

• Interest in working with community volunteers and supporting early literacy. Previous experience volunteering, strong literacy skills and working with young students in a school or community-based program a plus.
• Strong communication and customer service skills. Previous experience facilitating trainings or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently, while maintaining communication with the central office
• Updated PA Criminal History Clearance, FBI Criminal History Clearance, and PA Child Abuse Clearance or ability to obtain

Additional Information

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire.

VACCINATION STATUS

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670

 For more information, go to the Human Relations website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx