Orientation and ESL Specialist

Job Description

Orientations and trainings are highly structured, with a focus on client comprehension, evidence-based outcomes, and gender equality initiatives. The Orientation and ESL Specialist is responsible for directly delivering Cultural Orientation (CO) classes, conducting public transportation and community orientations, and facilitating English as a Second Language (ESL) program enrollment for newly-arrived adult refugee clients. They work closely with colleagues and community partners to connect clients with critical learning resources and leverage volunteer support to the extent practicable.

Major Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Cultural Orientation

·Implement CO curriculum and lead classes to engage participants through interactive activities and implement IRC Gender Equality priorities.Update IRC Dallas CO policies and practices as needed.

·Set up and facilitate weekly CO classes for R&P adult clients within the 90-day service period, including scheduling, delivery, and classroom setup and preparation.

·Complete pre- and post-CO Assessments for R&P adult clients to assess client comprehension

·Coordinate enrollment efforts, including scheduling and facilitating client transportation

·Directly transport clients to and from CO classes as needed

·Coordinate with community partners (DPD, fire department, ESL classes, clinics, etc.), arranging their involvement with CO classes

·Schedule appropriate interpretation for CO classes and related activities

·Participate in monthly Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) Communities of Practice (CoP) webinars and implement best practices

Public Transportation and Community Orientation

·Train R&P clients on the use of various public transportation systems including DART, Medicaid, and RMA.

·Arrange and conduct community orientations to familiarize clients with locations of the IRC office, key organizations, clinics, and other entities in the surrounding area

·Track disbursement of DART passes to clients

ESL Enrollment

·Assist adult clients with enrolling in suitable ESL classes including the provision of transportation instructions

·Coordinate with community partners (ESL program contacts) on referrals and enrollments

·Manage and update internal ESL Resource Map and other tools, identifying and connecting clients with additional ESL learning resources

·Manage attendance records

Core Service Coordination, Tracking, and Documentation

·Coordinate and schedule with clients, caseworkers, interns, interpreters, and community partners on orientations, trainings, enrollments, and appointments

·Track completion and document delivery of all services by entering case notes in a timely fashion and filing necessary documentation within requisite systems

·Other duties as assigned

Requirements

·Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Education, Social Work or related field

·Experience working in a fast-paced, multicultural professional environment

·Experience in education or curriculum development strongly preferred

·Strong interest in teaching and training adults through a hands-on approach

·Ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks, problem-solve, and manage multiple appointments and deadlines at a time

·Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Prior experience entering data and case notes strongly preferred.

·Highly proactive self-starter with an ability to work independently, collaborate with others, improve operations and processes, and manage client-facing and administrative tasks

·Valid driver’s license, reliable access to a vehicle with current insurance

·Fluency in English, written and spoken.Fluency in additional language relevant to current refugee populations strongly preferred (Burmese, Farsi, Dari, Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda)

Working Environment:Standard office work environment combined with work in the local community.Occasional need for work outside of traditional business hours.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.

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.

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