Adult Education Intern (Fall 2024)
Assist in planning and implementation of English classes for refugees.
Overview
Assist in planning and implementation of English classes for refugees.
You have:
- Undergraduate or graduate level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or related field preferred.
- Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.
- Background in education or experience teaching formally or informally.
- Patience, understanding, and flexibility.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment.
- Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required (especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda).
Scope of Role: Developing skills and confidence in speaking, reading, and writing in English is crucial for new arrivals’ success in Richmond. These skills expand resource accessibility, employment opportunities, and much more. The Adult Education Intern will assist the Adult Education Specialist in the planning and implementation of English language training classes to the refugees and immigrants that IRC Richmond serves. The Adult Education Intern will also assist clients with accessing classes in the community and receiving a cultural orientation class upon their arrival in Richmond.
Learning Objectives: The Adult Education Intern will:
- Learn how to manage classes and supporting services within the established requirements, to provide the best possible service to vulnerable populations.
- Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and intercultural education and social work skills.
- Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and ORR-eligible clients in Richmond, Virginia.
Responsibilities:
- Assist IRC staff with the enrollment, coordination, and implementation of classes, including:
- Contacting students to confirm their availability to attend classes.
- Navigating client barriers to education, including transportation and childcare.
- Differentiating and scaffolding instruction to students individually or in small groups.
- Communicating with local stakeholders and adult education services to connect students to appropriate classes.
- Support teachers in the preparation of the student materials for the classes.
- Coordinate with volunteers to ensure proper coverage is in place for adult education classes, including childcare volunteers; cover the childcare volunteer role as needed.
- Collect and interpret data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success.
- Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, and practice sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients by respecting their beliefs and values.
- Other support as needed.
Qualifications - Undergraduate or graduate level studies in education, social work, international relations, social sciences, or related field preferred.
- Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to vulnerable populations, and a desire to help refugees adjust to life in the U.S.
- Background in education or experience teaching formally or informally
- Patience, understanding, and flexibility
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Effective communication skills, especially in a multicultural environment
- Engaged in learning about the IRC (mission, philosophy, global work, and local efforts) and willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies
- Proficiency in more than one language preferred but not required (especially Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda)
This position is unpaid and reports to the Adult Education Specialist.
*The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlines in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you helped someone overcome a language barrier? | This question assesses your experience and problem-solving abilities in supporting non-native speakers. | Provide a detailed example, highlighting the strategies you used to facilitate communication. |
| How would you handle a situation where a student is struggling to attend classes due to transportation issues? | The interviewer wants to see your resourcefulness and client support skills in real-world scenarios. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to create an inclusive environment for diverse learners? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe an experience where you had to adapt your communication style to fit a multicultural audience. What did you change? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What interests you most about working with refugees and immigrants? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |