Specialist II – ESL

Position Description

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) – History:

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL

Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:

The full-time Specialist II supports the daily operations of ESL programming services and workshops, ensuring efficient delivery across library branches and community partners. Responsibilities include supporting ESL team leaders, supporting curriculum, and assisting with specialized training for branch library staff and volunteers. The role also involves supporting outreach efforts, assisting with monitoring program performance, maintaining student records, and serving as a backup ESL instructor. The Specialist II works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure integrated, high-quality services that meet community needs.

This position is grant-funded and authorized from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It will adhere to the grant-funded guidelines and is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports daily operations of ESL and adult-literacy programs across all branches, ensuring smooth class logistics, timely distribution of instructional materials, and high-quality service delivery
• Assists in upholding adult literacy guidelines, as well as provides resources and partnership connections to empower branch-based ESL and adult literacy teams
• Assists in developing and producing marketing and outreach materials in support of ESL programs.
• Assist with plans and participate in meetings, workshops, community events, marketing initiatives, and professional conferences to raise program visibility and engagement
• Serves as backup ESL instructor and supports tutor training, class evaluations, and system-wide program coordination
• Supports branch staff in delivering ESL services and facilitates system-wide coordination meetings to align efforts across service locations.
• Under the direction of Adult Literacy Coordinator, supports development and administration of surveys and evaluation tools to monitor program performance and learner outcomes.
• Maintains accurate student records and compiles monthly statistics
• Prepares quarterly and annual performance reports, including data summaries for internal review and external stakeholders
• Attend staff and administrative meetings, and contribute to library-wide initiatives as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

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

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Social Sciences, or other related field from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of full-time experience in literacy programs or education experience

OR

• Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) years of full-time experience in literacy programs or education experience

OR

• High school diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited educational institution
• Five (5) years of full-time experience in literacy programs or education experience

Additional Requirements:

• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties
• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of ESL instruction, adult education principles, and language acquisition
• Translation and interpretation tools and language access best practices
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to coordinate complex schedules and multiple program components
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including public speaking and facilitation
• Proficient in planning and executing training, meetings, and outreach events
• Skilled in data collection, analysis, and reporting for program evaluation
• Competent in using technology for scheduling, database management, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar systems)
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and problem-solve effectively
• Ability to serve as an ESL instructor when needed and support instructional delivery
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers and common decimals
• 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

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-time nearmejobs.eu Regular
• The position is generally scheduled Monday through Saturday, with a once-a-month standard for weekend outreach work. Attendance at evening meetings, after-hours events, and off-site meetings will be required. Possible work in an outdoor environment with exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.

Salary:

• Paid Biweekly

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Driving: Will be required to provide available and reliable transportation for frequent travel throughout Harris County.
• Office Equipment: 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.
• Physical Activities: Sits for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, engage in conversation, and respond to verbal inquiries.
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: The position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Division Director, Programs, Partnerships, and Outreach
• Supervises Positions: None

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Library Administration – 5749 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77033

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.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County’s behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

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