CA Workforce Literacy Program Specialist

Job Overview: Reporting to the Adult Education Program Supervisor, as part of Integration Programs, the CA Workforce Literacy Program Specialist provides instruction to multi-level classes in the areas of English language, Vocational English, job readiness, digital literacy, and soft skills necessary for gainful employment to recently arrived refugees and other work-authorized immigrants in the Los Angeles region. The specialist will teach a curated multi-discipline curriculum and support the CA Workforce Literacy Program by teaching in-person classes at the IRC-LA office and virtual classes, utilizing Zoom/Teams. Classes may be taught at selected public libraries to ensure accessibility to participants. The CA WLP Specialist will work in an interdisciplinary team that serves immigrants in various stages of their inclusion and integration here in California and will collaborate with other departments in client recruitment, retention, and support. This is a two-year pilot program from the State of California- Employment Training Panel.

Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to:

Teaching and Documentation

• Conduct classes across the service area, for a minimum of four instructional hours per day or ten instructional hours per week (100 hours of instruction for each client in 3 months).
• Teach English language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), digital literacy skills, and job readiness skills (resume building and job search skills).
• Re-evaluate curriculum on an ongoing basis in response to students’ needs.
• Be aware of the special needs of the students in a multi-cultural classroom.
• Record students’ enrollment, classroom attendance, and employment placement information
• Verify students’ eligibility to be enrolled in the program and work authorization in the US.
• Provide a positive, respectful, student-centered learning environment.

Employment and Reporting

• Supports students to obtain full-time jobs with the help of experts and hiring agencies in the community. Clients should keep the job for at least 90 days.
• Record case notes and progress reports every week.
• Complete all required reports as requested by the supervisor.
• Meet with the supervisor as needed to discuss the student’s attendance and progress.
• Supports students with completing job applications, resume building, and job interviews. Adhere to the program’s mission and goals.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years teaching ESL with knowledge of job readiness, job placement, and digital literacy skills, or comparable experience and education. (TESOL/TEFL/TESL Certificate would be an asset).
• Knowledge of instruction and lesson planning strategies preferred.
• Ability to design and provide activities and instruction across a continuum in reading, listening, writing, speaking, and digital literacy.
• Ability to teach how to build a resume and prepare students for job interviews and job placement.
• Knowledge of operating systems and familiarity with data management and office software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to work as a member of the adult education program.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate well with people of various backgrounds.
• High level of comfort, functioning, and effectiveness in multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and computer literacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations.
• Ability to work independently, be a self-starter, and manage multiple tasks.
• Fluency in the English language is required. Proficiency in Russian, Farsi, Spanish, and Armenian languages is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Reporting to: Adult Education Supervisor, Integration Programs

Collaborates with: Economic Empowerment- Integration Programs, Child Protection- Integration Programs, Immigration Programs, Resettlement and Placement Program

Working Environment***:***

• A combination of in-person (IRC-LA and public libraries) and virtual classrooms/work from home.
• Some nights and Saturday work is likely.

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: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.