ESL Civics Specialist

Job Overview:

The IRC Immigration Program provides ESL Naturalization Exam Preparation Course four days per week to help adult students build their English language capabilities and civics content. In-person classes are offered at four KCLS locations, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, and Tukwila. Each class has a follow up online class. This position teaches two evening classes (Tue & Wed) at Kent and Tukwila libraries, and two online classes. The position also supports legal practitioners (Department of Justice (DOJ)-Accredited Representatives) to represent clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position does not provide direct legal advice or guidance but supports the administration of these services provided by Accredited Representatives. Legal services focus only on naturalization.

Major Responsibilities:

- Prepare students for the U.S. Naturalization Exam. - Tailor curriculum for hybrid delivery and connect to appropriate textbook support. - Teach English language skills (including grammar, conversation, reading and writing, and listening/comprehension) and Civics Content (US History, Government, Traditions and Geography). - Teach a multicultural and multilevel classroom of English language learners. - Build relationships with partner organizations and local NGOs to develop curriculum and course marketing. - Market course and recruit students within the local community and current IRC clients. - Assess, track and report student attendance and CASAS assessments - Help students become autonomous learners by take-home study habits and foundational ESL skills. - Practice USCIS Citizenship interview techniques and skills. - Develop supplemental materials and maintain files and records. - Other duties as requested by the Civics/ESL Coordinator. - Under the supervision of Legal Representative, provide clients information on immigration benefits before USCIS, work with clients to gather documents, and assist clients to complete naturalization applications. - Represent IRC with clients, community members, and partners by receiving and returning phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, supporting events (including group processing events), and conducting outreach for naturalization services and the class.

Note: this position does not provide legal guidance or advice. Only Accredited Legal Representatives or Staff Attorneys provide these services.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Civics/ESL Coordinator

Other Internal contacts: Volunteers and Interns

Job Requirements:

- Degree in TESOL or related field in education. - Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in an ESL/English language learner setting. - Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred. - In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted. - Strong Intercultural communication skills. - Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to learn new processes. - Positive attitude and energetic. - Patience and empathy for adult students. - Understanding of trauma-informed approach to serving immigrant clients. - Flexibility to work with a variety of student needs and language levels. - Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.

Working Environment:

- Standard, professional office environment, mainly working at KCLS Library locations (flexible remote and in-office) - Access to a reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area

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.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality 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.

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.

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Qualifications Update