ESOL and Work Readiness Instructor, Community Learning

City of Boston

4d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Career Counselor or delegate, the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Work Readiness Instructor, Community Learning is responsible for carrying out the Library’s programs of service to the public, such as work-readiness classes, programs, and outreach with emphasis on work requiring substantial application of professional knowledge and experience in English language instruction and career and workforce development.

Requirements

• Education – Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited library school or a master's in Adult Literacy, Secondary Education, or Special Education.
• Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training and demonstrated teaching experience required.
• In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Experience – Two (2) years of appropriate library professional experience working with individuals or groups engaged in literacy education and in working collaboratively with community-based organizations, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.
• Proficiency in a second language other than English is required; language skills in Haitian-Creole, Spanish, and/or Portuguese are preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and the public.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographical tools and resources.
• Familiarity with Google Workplace and Microsoft Teams.
• Some evening and weekend hours. Ability to travel to off-site locations, as assigned.
• CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.
• BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Nice To Haves

• Certificate or higher in TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages) preferred.
• Experience in literacy program development; experience with outreach and recruitment techniques, and demonstrated experience in library work related to literacy; demonstrated interest in community library work and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction to the public on a variety of workforce-related topics, including the use of library resources, basic computer and other information technology usage, and other personal and professional skill-building programs, with a focus on industry-specific language skills useful to patrons seeking business or career-related information who are not native English language speakers.
• Works with the Community Learning Team to develop and implement workforce-related instruction aligned to meet the needs of adult ESOL learners.
• Designs, develops, and presents outreach and programming activities which combine English instruction with practical training for in-demand careers, and basic employability skills such as effective communication, problem solving, resume building, and interviewing in library spaces or in the community.
• Uses a variety of teaching methods to assist students with differing educational levels and learning styles.
• Assists with the intake and orientation of new students in classes they are teaching.
• Tracks and analyzes attendance, learner feedback, class surveys/needs assessments, and qualitative narrative evaluation.
• Assists the Manager of Community Learning with reporting for grants/funders.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of collaborative relationships with relevant organizations and institutions that provide literacy services, career counseling, and other job search assistance.
• Provides general reference assistance to the public in person, on the telephone, and online.
• Assists patrons in the use of Community Learning and related library resources through personal consultation, instruction, programs, reading lists, and other means.
• Assists in the training of staff and in the orientation of both staff and members of the public to the services of the Community Learning department.
• Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections, and recommends improvements to enhance public service.
• Participates in the development and implementation of innovative online services and discovery tools that connect library users with departmental programs and resources, lowers hurdles to access for researchers, and facilitates the sharing of knowledge among users.
• Keeps current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, ESOL teaching methods, industry trends, and best practices for integrating language training with vocational education.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time