VESL Instructor

International Rescue Committee • San Jose, CA

427d

About The Position

The VESL Instructor at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Jose is responsible for planning and instructing Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes aimed at adult refugees preparing for employment in the United States. This part-time position focuses on equipping clients with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence through effective English language acquisition and job readiness training.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Adult Education or related field required, Masters preferred.
• ESL certification such as TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA required.
• 1-2 years+ relevant work experience in VESL Instruction/Adult Education, or other relevant field.
• Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience working with adult learners from a variety of cultural and linguistic groups, and with multiple levels of English language skill required; work with refugee populations desirable.
• Experience developing and providing orientations and trainings.
• Experience designing curriculum and integrating technology into teaching desired.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated success in developing and managing multiple projects and activities.
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, responsible, and flexible: able to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a diverse, fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Experience working with underserved populations preferred.
• Flexible and resilient.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach full-time VESL classes to refugee adults with a focus on vocational English acquisition.
• Develop VESL lesson plans that enable clients to gain real-life skills and fully participate in their new communities.
• Conduct ESL class levels ranging 0-3+ with classroom curriculum and self-guided learning kits for students.
• Assist IRC Employment team in managing volunteer and intern force as needed.
• Collaborate with Employment Program Manager to enroll, track, and update clients' participation in the VESL program in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Collaborate and coordinate with local ESL training providers to provide onramps for clients' further education.
• Maintain case file documents or tracking for client's participation, attendance, and outcomes.
• Refer to basic computer skills training using the IRC computer lab or implement in regular VESL instruction, focusing on Microsoft Office and job-related computer usage.
• Tailor lesson plans to meet the needs of varying language levels and cultural backgrounds of the students.
• Administer initial client intake English exam, and regular assessments to ensure client's English progress.
• Maintain case file documentation for individual clients' activities and outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Monitor classroom participation, and maintain attendance records.
• Implement evaluation to determine success and usefulness of training and programming.
• Aid Employment Program Manager in reporting errors or changes in client information in a timely fashion, communicating with Social Services as needed.
• Encourage employment as the pathway to self-sufficiency for newly arrived refugees.
• Participate in IRC Communities of Practice, staff meetings, and other networking/learning opportunities.
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in the IRC Economic Empowerment Team and San Jose office.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $143 per month
• Dental starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• Disability & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree