Reading Disability and Low Vision Program Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Patron Engagement Section, Patron & Network Engagement Division, National Library Srvc Blind/Print Disabled Directorate, Library Collections and Services Group. The position description number for this position is 462158. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. Responsibilities This position serves as a Reading Disability and Low Reading Program Specialist in the Patron Engagement Section, Patron and Network Division (PNE), National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The incumbent uses authoritative judgement and independently works on joint efforts with stakeholders in the government and private sector concerning matters and projects impacting services. Actively engages in developing reading disabilities and low vision policies. Advises and solves difficult organizational or program-related issues while initiating and maintaining relationships with national and international stakeholders associated with NLS programs and/or operational changes relating to issues concerning reading disabilities or low vision programming. Serves as the NLS and LC official representative on national and international committees working on reading disability and low vision issues. Serves as a liaison in low vision or reading disabilities for entities such as NLS's network of libraries as well as other ALA affiliates and other professional organizations and the public and plans activities for important NLS network programs with national or international impact around reading disabilities or low vision. Develops and implements trainings and training modules specific to low vision and reading disability issues. Incorporates best practices into existing programs to meet the needs of patrons with low vision or reading disabilities. Serves as a consultant to network libraries and other NLS partners in the development of programs that are specific to individuals with low vision or reading disabilities or to maximize existing programming to meet the needs of all the patrons. Expertly advises on projects and programs. requiring significant adaptation and/or interpretation for application, including accessibility and usability of adaptive communication methods, such as online library catalogs, electronic media, and the Internet. Recommends long-range reading disability program plans, objectives, and milestones, serving as the basis for organizational and administrative change related to these programs. Recommends solutions to difficult problems or issues for accessibility requirements and develops novel approaches and methods for providing access for individuals with disabilities through design and improvement of websites for individuals who have low vision or reading disabilities. Gives technical advice for developing and surmounting accessibility barriers for individuals with low vision or reading disabilities. Represents NLS at meetings or conference examining ADA implementation and/or accessibility. Provides inventive and novel analytic designs and/or investigative techniques materially significant in the resolution of problems with unprecedented or novel aspects. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to interact collaboratively with others and provide consultation or liaison services. Ability to provide program policy advice and oversight in reading disability and low vision services. Knowledge of and experience in a disability-related field, especially disabilities related to reading and low vision disabilities. Ability to analyze problems and make recommendations. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email . The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email . FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.

Created: 2026-04-17