SCOPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK:
Help refugees prepare for their first jobs in the U.S. as a Pre-Employment Class Assistant! The IRC’s Pre-Employment Class provides newly arrived refugees with the opportunity to learn critical skills they will use in their search for employment. The Pre-Employment Class Assistant will assist the Education Services AmeriCorps VISTA in conducting twice weekly classes, assessing student needs, and assisting in creating weekly lesson plans. Classes cover such topics as filling out applications, job-related English vocabulary, practicing for interviews, work appropriate behavior, and other topics determined by class need. Classes focus on increasing clients’ confidence and English skills through conversation and oral/visual instruction rather than text-based instruction. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in teaching, tutoring and/or curriculum development, in addition to learning about local refugee communities.
LOCATION: Classes are held in Tukwila from 10am-12pm every Tuesday and Thursday. Curriculum planning can be done at either of the IRC Seattle or SeaTac offices, or off site.
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 1-2 days a week, 3-6 hrs/week (regular schedule required). Position begins immediately. Minimum 3 month commitment.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
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Assist in creating weekly lesson plans and curriculum as needed.
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Co-conduct class activities; teach new vocabulary and skills, demonstrate good job-seeking strategies, and help build student confidence.
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Provide one-on-one assistance throughout class to answer student questions and further explain challenging material.
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Independently leading small-group classes of lower level ESL learners during regular class time if the need arises.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Experience teaching/tutoring ESL or coursework relating to ESL preferred.
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Must be culturally sensitive and able (or willing to try) to understand English language learners.
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Must be independent and self-motivated.
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Comfortable planning activities and curriculum.
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Willing to work with multi-level English speakers.
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Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and articulately in English; additional fluency in a refugee language helpful
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Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.
Note: This position may be considered an internship for school credit, depending on your school policies and requirements. If this is desired, please mention it when applying.
