Literacy Central Vancouver Island (LCVI) is a community-based non-profit organization and registered charity dedicated to improving literacy in all its forms. Since 1990, LCVI has provided literacy services to individuals and families throughout Central Vancouver Island. LCVI also operates Well Read Books, a social enterprise bookstore that helps support literacy programming while providing affordable access to books and a welcoming community space.
The Youth Literacy Coordinator is responsible for the planning, delivery, evaluation, promotion, and ongoing development of LCVI’s Youth Literacy Program. The position supports youth and young adults, generally between the ages of 13 and 30, through learner-centered literacy programming designed to improve communication, critical thinking, confidence, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
The Youth Literacy Program utilizes a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach. Programming may include one-to-one tutoring, small-group learning, workshops, critical literacy programming, game-based learning groups, creative projects, youth publications, outreach activities, and special events.
The Youth Literacy Coordinator works collaboratively with volunteers, community partners, schools, youth-serving agencies, and other LCVI staff to create meaningful learning opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Coordination and Delivery
· Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operation of the Youth Literacy Program.
· Conduct intake interviews, needs assessments, orientation, and registration processes for youth participants.
· Develop individualized learning plans and support youth in identifying and achieving literacy and personal learning goals.
· Maintain learner files, records, and documentation in accordance with organizational policies and funder requirements.
· Assist in the recruitment and on-boarding of volunteers, and with matching volunteer tutors to clients
· Deliver one-to-one and small-group literacy support as required.
· Monitor learner progress and complete periodic reviews of learning plans.
· Ensure programming remains responsive to participant needs and emerging community trends.
Critical Literacy Programming
· Coordinate and facilitate LCVI’s Critical Literacy Program.
· Design and deliver activities that encourage communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
· Facilitate discussion-based learning opportunities and project-based educational activities.
· Encourage youth to examine information critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop confidence in expressing their ideas.
Game-Based Learning
· Coordinate and facilitate Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) groups and other game-based learning initiatives.
· Utilize tabletop role-playing games and similar activities to support literacy, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and social-emotional learning.
· Recruit, train, and support volunteers who assist with program delivery.
· Maintain safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments for participants.
Youth Workshops and Special Projects
· Develop and facilitate workshops on topics such as literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, wellness, life skills, communication, leadership, creative writing, and storytelling.
· Coordinate youth boot camps, special events, presentations, and community learning opportunities.
· Develop project-based learning experiences that engage youth in meaningful learning and community participation.
· Support youth-led initiatives and leadership opportunities where appropriate.
Volunteer Coordination
· Assist in recruiting, screening, orienting, training, and supporting volunteers.
· Match volunteers with youth participants where appropriate.
· Provide direction, resources, and ongoing support to volunteers.
· Maintain records related to volunteer participation and training.
Community Outreach and Partnerships
· Develop and maintain relationships with schools, youth-serving agencies, Indigenous organizations, community groups, and other partners.
· Promote Youth Literacy Program services through outreach, presentations, community events, and social media.
· Participate in community committees and collaborative initiatives as assigned.
· Identify opportunities to expand services and strengthen community partnerships.
Administration, Reporting and Evaluation
· Maintain accurate statistics and participant records.
· Assist with funder reporting, grant applications, annual reports, evaluations, and outcome measurement.
· Contribute to organizational planning and program development.
· Participate in staff meetings and organizational initiatives.
· Assist with public events, open houses, fundraising activities, and community engagement opportunities.
· Complete other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications and Experience
Required
· Post-secondary education in Education, Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Community Development, Psychology, Humanities, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
· Experience working with youth and young adults.
· Experience facilitating educational, recreational, or community-based programming.
· Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
· Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
· Strong organizational, administrative, and computer skills.
· Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred
· Experience working within literacy, education, youth development, recreation, or community service sectors.
· Experience facilitating group learning activities.
· Experience supporting marginalized, vulnerable, or diverse youth populations.
· Experience with volunteer coordination.
· Experience with program evaluation and outcome measurement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Understanding of literacy and its role in educational, social, and personal development.
· Knowledge of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and learner-centered approaches.
· Knowledge of youth engagement and positive youth development principles.
· Ability to create inclusive and welcoming environments.
· Ability to build effective relationships with youth, volunteers, families, and community partners.
· Cultural competency and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Assets
The following would be considered strong assets:
· Teaching or tutoring experience.
· Experience facilitating Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop role-playing games.
· Experience with creative writing, storytelling, publishing, journalism, podcasting, or digital media.
· Experience working with Indigenous youth.
· Experience working with newcomer youth.
· Experience working with neurodivergent youth.
· Experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
· Knowledge of community resources available to youth.
Working Conditions
· Combination of office, classroom, community, and outreach settings.
· Some evening and weekend may be required depending on client avalaiblitywork required.
· Occasional travel within the Central Vancouver Island region.
· Ability to lift and transport program materials and resources.
Requirements
· Valid BC Driver’s Licence.
· Access to reliable transportation.
· Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening.
· Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of Literacy Central Vancouver Island.
Pay: $23.00-$25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
