ELT and Cultural Orientation Instructor

About CWS:

implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose:

The ELT and Cultural Orientation Instructor coordinates community-based ELT classes to assist newly arriving refugees, Afghan and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, and other ORR-eligible populations; teaches cultural orientation classes for newly arriving individuals/families from various countries through the Refugee Resettlement Program; assists newly arrived refugees with school aged children to enroll in and navigate the local education system.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

• Connects incoming clients with community-based ELT classes
• Recruit and train ELT volunteers to assist clients with pre-ELT enrollment, one-on-one tutoring, and small group activities
• Researches and implements new curriculum based on the needs of attending adults
• Refers clients with accelerated skills to advanced ELT opportunities in the community
• Acts as a resource for adult students, providing resources and information to help them thrive in their new communities
• Maintains confidentiality of class records and personal information at all times
• Refers eligible clients to other career pathways and digital literacy programs
• Research and documents new and emerging ELT classes/resources in the community and online options

• Revises curriculum and materials for C.O. classes to adhere to changing program requirements, including linguistic requirements, and community information
• Plans and implements logistics for C.O. classes including: locating appropriate classroom space, scheduling class times, securing appropriate interpretation support, booking guest speakers, and notifying clients of upcoming classes
• Leads C/O class instruction and adjusts format to reflect client needs (i.e. in person, virtual, over the phone)
• Ensures all required topics in CORE curriculum are properly covered in classes, including: Role of the Local Resettlement Agency; Community Services and Public Assistance; Housing; Transportation; Employment; Safety, English & Education; Health and Hygiene; Budgeting and Personal Finance; Cultural Adjustment; U.S. Laws & Refugee Status
• Maintains class attendance and case notes client progress in class sessions, C/O topics covered, completing of classes, assessment, and follow ups, if needed
• Performs assessments on all clients attending the classes to ensure that the necessary information is communicated clearly, learned, and implemented. Adjusts curriculum as deemed necessary
• Enters assessment scores and tracks client progress in IRIS (CWS database)
• Provides follow-up and additional individual instruction to clients whose assessment scores show poor understanding of the subject matter or as case managers deem it appropriate based on client needs and observations
• Tailors and conducts C/O sessions in-home to accommodate clients with severed health issues or who live outside of Houston, as needed
• Assists the Housing and Transportation specialist with navigating local transportation, including the bus.
• Provides training support and assigns daily tasks to program interns

• Provide personalized support to refugee families in enrolling their children in appropriate local schools.
• Offer comprehensive orientation sessions to families, explaining the fundamental structure and procedures of the US education system. This includes clarifying academic levels, grading systems, and curricular options.
• Assist families in understanding bus routes and transportation options available to their children, making sure they can commute safely to and from school.
• Help families procure school uniforms and necessary supplies for their children, ensuring they meet the school's dress code and are prepared for a successful start.
• Guide families in understanding school schedules and timetables, ensuring students are aware of their classes and extracurricular activities.
• Provide language support, including translation and interpretation, to help families effectively communicate with school personnel and understand important documents.
• Act as a liaison between refugee families and local schools, collaborating with teachers, counselors, and administrators to address any challenges or concerns that may arise.
• Offer cultural orientation sessions to help families adapt to the US education system and understand the cultural nuances within educational settings.
• Connect families with relevant community resources and support services, assisting them in accessing additional educational, social, and health resources.

Common Duties:

• Advocates on behalf of refugees and immigrants and voluntary agencies serving those clients
• Keeps informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients
• Represents the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position
• Undertakes other duties as assigned (i.e., provide support with airport arrivals, transport clients to appointments, go grocery shopping with clients, etc.)

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, Social Work, Intercultural Studies, Business Management, similar field or equivalent work experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years preferred experience in education and refugee resettlement, or other direct social services. Ability to educate in a culturally sensitive manner is required.

Other Skills:

• Superior English written and verbal communication skills are required. Fluency in a refugee language preferred.
• Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet application
• Strong organizational and time management skills are required
• Clean driving record
• Access to reliable, personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to travel frequently and independently throughout the relevant region
• Must be able to pass an FBI background check and a Child Abuse/Neglect check

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits