CRSP ELA Literacy Specialist

To build better communities by strengthening families is the mission of Focus Points Family Resources Center. For 27 years, Focus Points has worked successfully to transform the lives of low-income and working families in Northeast Denver and beyond. Focus Points serves over 2,900 participants each year, most of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants. Focus Points is strongly committed to our values around collaboration, equity, and integrity which add to our four pillars (Family Support, Community Resources, Education, and Economic Inclusion)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Adult Education experience and/or direct experience working with refugee populations
• Conversational in English, Dari, and Pashto

Other Requirements

• Reliable home internet service
• Mobile phone service
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable personal transportation for travel throughout Metro Denver and Aurora

Responsibilities & Activities

Instruction

• Instruct two (2) assigned ELA classes for the duration of the scheduled semester
• Hold two (2) in-person tutoring sessions for up to 12-week sessions, ongoing throughout the year
• Provide instruction via physical classes and/ or hybrid and/ or online classes
• Arrive to class 15 minutes early, prepared for classes
• Host ELA Zoom and/or in-person classes for the entire duration of class period
• Provide life and work skills-based instruction for ELA classes utilizing appropriate ELA curriculum; use of a variety of materials and teaching techniques to enhance learning and outcomes and to maintain learner interest
• Incorporate use of technology into the curriculum, classroom, and tutoring sessions
• Provide all learners with a safe, appropriate, and culturally conscious learning environment; Offer classroom accommodations whenever needed

Academic Assistance & Support

• Create and adapt student curriculum for pre-literacy level
• Create and execute student assessments and testing
• Assist with quarterly ESL integration activities for students, either virtually or in-person
• Meet individually with every new student for a brief introduction/ welcome and to craft academic goals
• Help create individual academic goals with students and check in on goals-related progress every quarter

Outreach & Communication

• Hold in-person tutoring sessions, either in students’ homes or at nearby convenient locations (e.g., libraries, etc.)
• Utilize WhatsApp for class group texting and communication
• Communicate with students through phone calls (with interpretation assistance if needed), translated text messaging, and audio messaging on a regular basis
• Text students in the WhatsApp groups before each class period to ensure attendance and retention
• Perform student outreach during class time if no students are in attendance
• Contact any learner that has missed more than 2 consecutive classes
• Utilize interpretation technology to communicate with pre-literate and non-conversational students

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep attendance records and update daily
• Coordinate your own substitute instructors when necessary; inform the Manager with as much advance notice as possible and provide guidance with lesson plans for substitute
• Attend all required CRSP meetings
• Attend required organization meetings and team-building activities
• Complete all required CRSP trainings and FRCA and Focus Points trainings
• Accumulate professional development hours and complete all forms and reports associated with CRSP’s requirements
• Attend workshop, trainings, and meetings as requested by CRSP Program Manager
• Keep the CRSP Manager and CRSP Lead ELA Instructor informed of all pertinent information
• Maintain regular contact with CRSP Specialist to share relevant information and changes related to:
  1) instructor-related time off, substitute teaching plans, sick days, adjustments to any scheduled classes;
  2) student-related changes to personal schedules and availability, progress and attendance, course changes, health and wellness
• Submit timesheets for payroll before deadlines
• Adhere to all organizational policies including submitting time-off requests well in advance of time-off needed
• Ensure classroom and/ or office space is kept organized
• Maintain a professional attitude and adhere to a high level of confidentiality towards Focus Points staff and participants
• Maintain cooperative relationships and open communication with all staff, participants, and off-site contacts
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of this position and organization handbook

Required Competencies

• Teaching/Training: Ability to develop, deliver, and adapt the curriculum to different learning styles to engage, share information, and increase skill level of participants
• Curriculum Planning: Create and deliver lessons that are skill-specific and student-driven to meet the needs and objectives of the class
• Written Communication: Utilize email, digital data tracking platforms, and classroom planning materials (such as lesson plans) to report progress and needs for each class
• Decision Making/Judgement: Ability to manage classroom dynamics to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment for all; this includes ensuring that your classroom environment is structured to meet the needs of a diverse range of students in terms of cultural and religious sensitivities as well as linguistic and technological barriers
• Computer Skills: Ability to navigate and troubleshoot Microsoft Office suite products, Google Drive files, WhatsApp, Zoom, and various internet browsers; willingness to download and learn new technologies and applications as the landscape of online teaching shifts; have knowledge of efficiency shortcuts (like bookmarks) and demonstrate professional email etiquette, etc., in order to plan curriculum and teach students these technical skills; exhibit proficiency in subject areas and be able to share knowledge in order to meet learning objectives
• Time Management: Create and execute effective lessons within the time limit of the class

Preferred Competencies

• Information Gathering: Record student attendance and log feedback when necessary to provide timely and accurate accounts of class activity
• Linguistic Flexibility: Download and use interpretation applications and resources to communicate with students who may be pre-literate or non-conversational in English; communication will include direct phone calls and/ or text messaging
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to control and express one’s emotions in a judicious, patient, and empathetic manner, both in the classroom and with team members and other staff, in order to productively contribute to the team and classroom dynamic

Reports to: Manager of CRSP Program

Status: Full-time Salaried/ Non-exempt/Contract Position

Salary: $41,000 – $43,000

Benefits: 90% for employee 50% for family, Delta Dental 100% for employee 50% for family, LT, ST and life insurance, IRA retirement plan up to 3% match, Vacation/Sick time/Personal Time

 Diversity Statement 

Personal or professional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes. Applicant must share a commitment to anti-racist work.

 COVID-19 Precaution(s): (These are subject to current guidelines)

• Sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning procedures in place
• Masking optional

To Apply

Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Erica Dine, CRSP Program Manager, at erica@focuspoints.org. This position is being interviewed on a rolling basis for immediate hiring; please submit your application as soon as possible.

Focus Points Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, ancestry, creed, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.