Company Overview
JFS was established in 1915 to assist newly arriving immigrants. Today, our agency serves as a community leader, partnering with people to achieve fulfilling lives. Rooted in Jewish values, we provide exceptional social services to support individuals and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. We operate with a $9 million budget and over 100 staff members with our main office in Springfield serving Hampden county, Hampshire and Franklin counties and an office in Pittsfield serving Berkshire county. Our core program areas provide life changing services: -Behavioral Health programs provide strength based services supporting individual and family resiliency; -Older Adult Services include geriatric care assessment, elder guardianship & conservatorship, in-home counseling, caregiver support groups, and educational presentations; -Jewish Life Enrichment programs foster the resiliency and wellbeing of our Jewish community across the life span; -Our New American Program assists refugees from around the world who are fleeing religious and political persecution to start a new life in our region. We provide comprehensive services including case management, job preparation and employment services, school support for parents and students, support for elders, health education, navigation services and counseling; -Our Citizenship & Immigration program provides a full range of education and representation services including citizenship instruction, Immigration Petitions, application preparation, citizenship classes and tutoring; -Our volunteer program offers an opportunity for volunteers to use their talents and skills to benefit the community.
About the job
Position: English Language Instructor
Program: New American Program
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt Temporary through Sept 2025
Reports to: Lead English Instructor
Location: Springfield, MA
Position Overview: The English Language Instructor plays a critical role in JFSWM’s Learning Program, supporting the integration of refugees into the local community by providing essential English language instruction to adults. The position involves planning, preparing, and leading classes for a diverse group of learners, including refugees from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, ensuring learning needs are met, while also promoting their overall social and economic integration.
Responsibilities:
Classroom Instruction:
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging English language lessons tailored to the needs of adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Teach basic to intermediate English skills, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary development.
- Provide individualized support to learners as needed, ensuring their success in the classroom environment.
Client Intake & Case Management:
- Conduct intake assessments with new clients, determining their language proficiency level and specific learning needs.
- Develop personalized learning plans in collaboration with clients and other staff members.
- Monitor and document learners’ progress throughout the program, conducting regular assessments to evaluate learning outcomes.
Tracking & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate attendance records for all classes, ensuring timely updates on client participation and engagement.
- Write case notes documenting client activities, progress, challenges, and any relevant support services provided.
- Prepare reports on program outcomes and client progress as needed for funding, grant reports, and internal program evaluation.
Volunteer Support & Training:
- Assist with training, supporting, and mentoring volunteer tutors and classroom assistants who work with refugee clients.
- Ensure volunteers are equipped with the tools, resources, and guidance to support learners effectively.
Digital Literacy Instruction:
- Provide support in digital literacy education, helping clients develop essential computer skills, including navigating the internet, using email, and accessing online services.
- Assist with the implementation of the Digital Literacy Program, ensuring clients are empowered to participate fully in the modern workforce and society.
Client Referrals & Resource Navigation:
- Support clients in accessing local educational programs, job training, and community resources.
- Assist clients in navigating referrals to programs that address their educational, employment, and social service needs.
Program Development & Support:
- Contribute to the development of ESL curriculum and materials suited to the needs of refugee populations.
- Assist with the development of new program initiatives and strategies to improve client outcomes and program impact.
- Support additional program activities, including workshops, events, and community outreach efforts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, TESOL, Linguistics, or a related field.
- Previous experience teaching ESL to adult learners, particularly in refugee or immigrant communities, is highly desirable.
- Strong classroom management skills and the ability to engage learners from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly explain concepts and provide feedback.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a willingness to learn new software programs as needed.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with community partners.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Fluency in English required; proficiency in an additional language is a plus.
- Previous experience working with refugees or immigrant populations is strongly preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for client visits and outreach activities.
- Ability to adapt to changing program needs and demonstrate flexibility in the classroom and in supporting clients.
Please email and include a cover letter and resume to be considered for this opening to: Mary T. Petrone, Human Resources Manager, m.petrone@jfswm.org.
How to Apply:
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