Adult ESL Instructor

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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 or bi-weekly check-ins with the Adult ESL Coordinator and team meetings to discuss individual client progress and the best way to provide support as necessary

• 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.

Compensation:

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.

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.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.