ESOL Class Assistant - Assist an Adult Learner with Low Vision

Schedule: Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30am-12:30pm. We respectfully request that volunteers assist one shift a week (one class) for at least 3-months.

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers; and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces.

JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

Program/Department Overview:

Refugee Services has provided direct employment services to local refugee populations for over 40 years. These services are offered to refugees, political asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, certified victims of human trafficking, and other work-authorized immigrants. Services include job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, cultural orientation, pre-employment vocational English language classes, services and referrals to reduce barriers to employment, job placement and follow-up, and post-employment support. JVS also partners with employers in hospitality, retail, agriculture, education, health care, sales, manufacturing, and business; and supports participants in finding and maintaining gainful employment that can lead to successful careers.

Responsibilities:

As an assistant to the JVS instructor, the volunteer will support the vocational English and job readiness classes for immigrants. Class topics include improving English and communication skills to obtain employment, job search and job retention techniques, orientation to the American workplace, financial literacy, basic technology literacy, and life skills. With direction and support from the instructor, the volunteer will assist a low-vision student. The volunteer will sit with the student during class to read off the board or read worksheets out loud to encourage the student participation in class. When necessary, the volunteer may lead small groups of students within class, participate in conversation practice, and/or provide individual assistance and feedback to students.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Interest in working with people of various linguistic, cultural, religious, ethnic, and national backgrounds.
• Commitment to learning techniques for teaching adults with limited English proficiency and classroom management.
• Ability to work in dynamic and often changing work environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team with staff and volunteers