Early Literacy Specialist

at  Empower Simcoe

As a well-established social services organization, Empower Simcoe is looking for innovative, passionate, and dedicated employees. Our inclusive culture empowers all of us to Be, Belong and Thrive. If you are looking for a career where you can make a difference and feel proud of the work you do everyday, you’ve come to the right place. Your future starts now at Empower Simcoe.
We are currently recruiting for one full-time Early Literacy Specialist. This position will design and deliver programs supported by current research that promote the development of children’s emergent literacy and numeracy skills. The Specialist will develop, collect and/or disseminate resources, workshops, and programs to support literacy and numeracy in the community; plans and delivers early literacy training programs through the County at EarlyON Child and Family Centres and Satellite sites. This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.

Compensation package:

• Minimum starting rate of $33.33 per hour;
• 11 statutory holidays are observed, with public holiday pay;
• Confidential Employer paid EAP program for you and your family members;

Following the successful completion of a 3-month probationary period:

• Employer paid benefits (life insurance, short- and long-term disability benefits, health and dental);
• Group RRSP plan with Employer matched benefit up to 5% of gross earnings biweekly;
• Employer paid sick, personal leave and vacation hours;

Minimum requirements of this position:

• Community college diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education, or an equivalent of education and experience, as deemed acceptable by the employer;
• Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators is considered an asset;
• Two (2) years’ experience working with Early Learning Professionals; children 0-6 years of age and their families is required;
• Knowledge of EarlyON Child and Family Centres, Early Learning and Early Literacy best practices, How Does Learning Happen, Think, Act, Feel and the Child Care and Early Years Acts;
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills, with the ability work collaboratively within a team environment as well as individually;
• Applicants who are bilingual in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil or Urdu are preferred;

Special factors:

• Be prepared to work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of the program;
• Be willing to travel throughout Simcoe County in the performance of their duties;
• A valid G class driver’s license and own reliable transportation is required;

Duties and responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Assisting in the identification, development and ongoing support of family/child enrichment programs;
• Increasing access to early learning information for parents and Early Learning Professionals who are disadvantaged by time and/or location;
• Enhancing the numeracy, language and literacy components of the EarlyON programs;
• Responding to parent/caregiver concerns and questions about their child’s literacy development;
• Producing early literacy resources such as monthly newsletters and activity calendars, early learning videos, and resources for parents;
• Promoting healthy child development, age appropriate activities, early identification of at-risk infants/preschoolers, and good nutrition;
• Promoting good public relations by serving on committees and participating in community activities;
• Providing workshops for EarlyON Program Facilitators;
• Consulting with community agencies to assist with early literacy planning;
• Organizing, participating in and presenting at early literacy conferences and special events;

Empower Simcoe is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community.

• Assisting in the identification, development and ongoing support of family/child enrichment programs;
• Increasing access to early learning information for parents and Early Learning Professionals who are disadvantaged by time and/or location;
• Enhancing the numeracy, language and literacy components of the EarlyON programs;
• Responding to parent/caregiver concerns and questions about their child’s literacy development;
• Producing early literacy resources such as monthly newsletters and activity calendars, early learning videos, and resources for parents;
• Promoting healthy child development, age appropriate activities, early identification of at-risk infants/preschoolers, and good nutrition;
• Promoting good public relations by serving on committees and participating in community activities;
• Providing workshops for EarlyON Program Facilitators;
• Consulting with community agencies to assist with early literacy planning;
• Organizing, participating in and presenting at early literacy conferences and special events