Adult ESL Instructor

JOB OVERVIEW:

In an effort to support newly arrived refugees and immigrants in starting their lives successfully in the U.S., the IRC’s Education and Learning Department provides free ESL classes to adult clients. The classes aim to build vocabulary and communication skills, convey skills necessary for the American workforce, and impart information about integral life skills and systems so that clients can be successful and productive members of their communities.

Classes will meet 2-3 days per week, for a total of 3–4-hour class sessions, with both in-person and online class options. Classes offer instruction to adult students at varying levels of English proficiencies, from Basic to Advanced. Year-round classes operate with rolling enrollment and new students are oriented and placed into classes and levels weekly. Classes are multi-level, meaning multiple levels will be represented within a single class. Assistance from ESL interns and volunteers allows for breakout groups to separate students by their proficiency level. Instruction is focused on developing literacy, comprehension, and confidence to apply towards real world situations including dealing with housing issues, shopping, the K-12 public school system, public transportation, employment, healthcare, and other daily life skills.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive client referrals and conduct initial client assessments
• Perform comprehensive assessment on each student to established quality assurance including pre-tests and post- tests.
• Conduct comprehensive intake and assessments of clients’ needs; develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate individualized service plans with each client.
• Complete all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements, licensing requirements, and agency quality assurance standards.
• Compile data, perform data entry, and assemble information for comprehensive reports or forms.
• Prepare for and teach ESL classes for immigrants, newly arrived refugees, and asylee clients, using interactive, learner-centered activities and ESL strategies
• Document attendance and student progress
• Administer clients’ pre-and post-tests
• Conduct participant outreach with partner organizations
• Attend weekly check-ins with the Adult Education Supervisor and team meetings to discuss individual client progress and the best way to provide support as necessary
• Supervise ESL Assistant Interns and ESL Volunteers
• Test clients’ English language skills to evaluate progress
• Complete other tasks as needed to support the Education and Learning Department

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or TESOL certificate preferred
• 3+ years of experience teaching ESL to adults from culturally diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive strategies
• Previous experience working with refugees or immigrants preferred;
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required;
• Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Russian and French)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective, professional presentation skills;
• Proficient in general office software programs, e.g., MS Office suite, email, internet applications and relational databases (familiarity with Efforts to Outcomes particularly valuable);
• Proven ability to work as a team member in a cross-cultural environment;
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and complete work in a fast-paced environment; and
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area preferred.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Standard office work environment combined with considerable time in the field and in neighborhoods where clients live and work.
• Classes will take place online via Zoom, in the IRC office, and offsite.
• Travel in and around Dallas/Ft. Worth to facilitate service delivery, build community relationships and represent the IRC with community partners.
• Hours outside of typical office hours required at times.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.