Adult Education and ESL Specialist - Church World Service

About CWS:

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose:

The ESL and Adult Education Specialists is responsible for helping newly arrived refugee adults and other ORR eligible population who have been in the US less than five years attend English language, computer literacy, driver’s training, and other classes which will increase refugee’s ability to be self-sufficient. This position also assists refugees in overcoming barriers to accessing those resources. The ESL and Adult Education Specialist works closely with other RSSEP team members including the Employment Specialist, and STEP Program Specialist as well as other CWS staff and community partners.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with R&P caseworker to fill in Education section of CRP at new client intake.
• Enroll all new arrivals in ESL class.
• Organize ESL classes as part of CO if necessary.
• Help RSS clients enroll in English classes.
• Partner new arrivals with ESL tutors.
• Enter data in VNIS and update/maintain VNIS data.
• Track required data and maintain records and case notes.
• Order and set up computers to give to new arrivals if needed.
• Track which clients get computers, receipts, signed forms acknowledging receipt of computer.
• Train all new arrivals on computer use and computer/internet safety as a requirement for getting a computer. Virtual and/or in person Computer CO classes.
• Organize computer skills classes for clients to develop specific skills
• Help clients access internet.
• Recruit and assign volunteer ‘tutors’ to assist families with online skills and English.
• Work with partners to assist clients in getting driver’s license- manuals in clients’ language, organizing driving study classes, help clients access driving lessons.
• Assist RSS team as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies.
• Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Perform all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Works varied hours.
  

Qualifications:

Experience:

A minimum of one year’s previous work experience in refugee or immigrant-related services, providing familiarity with U.S. refugee and/or immigration issues and terminology is preferred.  A background in case management, teaching, training or human service delivery is desirable. Competency working with computers and volunteers required.

 

Skills:

• English fluency required.
• Language fluency preferences/requirements in written and spoken refugee language preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
• Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence a broad range of information relating to program or department in English.
• Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally in English.
• Speak publicly with defined constituencies regarding specific assigned topics.
• Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them.
• Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders.
• Ability to track detailed information required.
• Ability to set up internet, phones, and computers.
• Ability to work with and train volunteers.

Education & Certifications: High school education required with some college experience preferred.

Special Requirements:

 

• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license is also required, along with the ability to move furniture and donations. The candidate will be expected to transport clients in their own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed) and must have a reliable working car for this purpose.
• The successful candidate must pass a background check.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.
• This position is primarily in the office and community.
• During busy times other duties may be assigned.

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts      - Commuter Benefits