English and Citizenship Instructor

The Citizenship Education Project empowers new Americans with security in their rights and liberties by providing English and Citizenship classes in addition to one-on-one naturalization assistance. In addition, JVS works collaboratively with community partners such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to improve newcomers’ ability to navigate and understand the naturalization process and the US legal system. 

The Instructor outreaches to the community, teaches the curriculum (design that incorporates three components: ESL - reading, writing and speaking; U.S. History and Government and Naturalization Process and Eligibility), conducts pre and post test assessments and implements innovative learning opportunities to prepare adult learners for the naturalization interview and test to become a U.S. citizen. The instructor leads English for Citizenship Instruction (ECI)classes.

• Degree in education (K-12 Social Studies, History, TESOL or Adult Education)

• Degree in TESOL or TESOL Certificate desired

• At least one year of experience teaching adult immigrants, using a textbook and structured curriculum 

• Valid driver license with classification appropriate to operate JVS vehicles, valid auto insurance, clean driving record with no moving violations within the past three years.

• ECI Coordinator/instructor will implement lesson plans, create hands-on learning experiences, assess students, and work with assistant teachers to help students be successful for low beginning to high intermediate students (NRS Levels 2-5). 

• Participate and conduct class orientations, English proficiency assessments utilizing nationally standardized materials called TABE Complete Language Assessment System–English (TABE CLAS–E™).

• Prepare and conduct pre-tests and post-tests, keeping files of all students updated with documents from orientation and any post-tests that follow.

• May assist with coordination, training, and supervision of ECI volunteers and/or interns.

• Collaborate with special guest speakers for ECI class and field trips, such as to the Libraries, Museums, etc.

• Participate in the students’ assessments 

• Track assessments and services in JVS client database

• Participate in training required by accreditation standards, plus performance and quality improvement efforts.

• Other duties as assigned

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines; able to effectively prioritize, delegate, and execute multiple tasks.

• Ability to be self-directed and highly flexible in daily work. 

• Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with both internal and external collaborators.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs and internet-based communication.

• Hours-regular 8-hour days within the workweek, some evenings/weekends depending on training and speaking schedule. 

• Much of the work is typically performed in an interior temperature-controlled office work environment. Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Some work may be performed at community sites such as other agency offices, schools, libraries, and other public meeting places. Employees may experience exposure to temperature extremes when in training situations, in a car, and while traveling to contacts outside of the agency facility.

• Use of cell phone is also required with partial reimbursement by agency.