English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program Manager

Title: English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program Manager  

Reports to: Senior Manager of Adult Education and Home Visitation  

Status: Full Time Salaried, $48,000 – $53,000 dependent on experience

Benefits: Kaiser, Delta Dental and Vision Insurance, Lt, ST, and life insurance, IRA retirement plan, Vacation, Sick time and Personal time.

Mission of Focus Points Family Resource Center: To build better communities by strengthening families.

Scope of Organization: For over 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 2,000 participants each year, most of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants. Focus Points is committed to:

• School readiness programs to open doors to future success.
• Family literacy and adult self-reliance programs to facilitate independence.
• Healthy living and health access programs to promote active, vibrant living.
• Parent engagement and community leadership to foster empowerment; and
• Economic and workforce training and development to support financial independence and community
  stability.

Position Summary: 
Provide oversight of ELA team and supports grant fidelity, measures and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABEA) required within 3 years of hire
• Managerial experience
• Grant funded adult education program experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Competency in using Microsoft Office programs and internet-based computer programs required
• Competency in synchronous and asynchronous methodologies for either hybrid or completely remote
  classrooms
• Experience and competency in using digital platforms for team trainings and/or virtual intakes
• Experience working with immigrant families from diverse communities
• Critical thinking skills to provide creative solutions to challenging, multi-faceted problems
• Ability to work well with other team members
• Good organizational skills and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities & Activities

• Provide oversight of ELA team and supports grant fidelity, measures and outcomes
• Establish and builds relationships with partners to ensure quality instruction and grant fidelity
• Supervise consistent processes and procedures for program implementation and instruction
• Support Senior Manager in grant regulation, reporting, and program budget to ensure outcomes, deliverables, and
  statements of work are met
• Maintain LACES database with input for attendance, goals, outcomes, measures and supporting documentation
  while monitoring edits requested by CDE program coordinator
• Create schedules and assign teachers for ELA classes for the duration of schedule semester
• Hire all necessary support and teaching staff using the Skillful process
• Have an understanding of 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
• Ensure all lesson plans are aligned with College and Career Readiness Standards
• Support and implement use of technology into the curriculum and classroom instruction, as appropriate and
  available and within the program Digital Literacy Plan
• Support CASAS assessment and orientation
• Obtain CASAS and/or other testing certification and training
• Provide all learners with a safe and appropriate learning environment, offer classroom accommodations and/or
  refer learners to Learning Needs Coordinator (Caroline Garcia) as needed and appropriate
• Accumulate professional development hours and complete all forms and reports associated with CDE’s
  requirements (this includes ABEA requirement)
• Attend workshop, trainings, and meetings as requested by Senior Manager
• Coordinate substitute when necessary
• Keep the Senior Manager informed of all pertinent information
• Approve and submit timesheets for payroll before deadlines
• 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
• Actively work to meet AELA and all other grant requirements

Required Competencies

• Management – Quality Improvement, Project Management, Evaluation, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, and
  a strong supervision acumen. Leadership values of transparency, trust, passion, teamwork, versatility,
  integrity, accountability, respect, innovation, and action.
• Written Communication – Utilize email, digital data tracking platforms, and classroom planning materials
  (such as lesson plans) in order to report progress and needs for each class.
• Information Gathering – Input grant outcomes and measures data and maintain database to ensure timely
  and accurate reporting.
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to control and express one’s emotions in a judicious and empathetic manner,
  both in the classroom and with team members and other staff, in order to productively contribute to the team
  and lead classroom dynamic.
• Computer Skills –Ability to navigate and troubleshoot Microsoft Office suite products (particularly Word
  and Excel and Google classroom), and various internet browsers. 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.
• Relationship Building– collaborate with staff and participants to communicate program successes to
  stakeholders. Build relationships with all stakeholders including staff, board members, volunteers, funders,
  and participants to create a sense of community further representing Focus Points’ mission.
• Attention to Detail – demonstrate excellent project management and organization skills with the ability to
  prioritize multiple deadlines and timelines for deliverables.

Preferred Competencies

• Teaching/Training: Ability to develop, deliver, and adapt curriculum to different learning styles in order to
  engage, share information, and increase skill level of participants.
• Bilingualism: Ability to provide additional linguistic support as needed in participants’ L1.
• Information Gathering: Record student attendance and log feedback when necessary in order to provide
  timely and accurate accounts of class activity.

How to apply

All applications due by July 29, 2022. Send cover letter, resume, and three references to elizabeth@focuspoints.org.

*No phone calls please.

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.