Programmatic - Pathways/Caminos: ESL Workforce Class Assistants for “Dialogues”
The Pathways/Caminos ESL Workforce Program at SJPL seeks in-class assistants to support the job and career goals of Spanish-speaking adults.
Pathways/Caminos classes are designed for intermediate ESL learners to improve communication skills (English, digital skills, system-navigation); and to learn job-search and career strategies that will build their understanding of context, fluency, and confidence.
The July class at Hillview is a short sequence of classes (2 hrs/week; 4 weeks) to practice customer service dialogues and structured interview techniques. The class uses digital devices along with printed materials.
How You Will Make a Difference
Class assistants work in-class alongside the instructor to facilitate learners’ access and their participation in activities. Assistants should aim to build an environment of trust, community, and enthusiasm, and community with adult ESL learners, helping them build the confidence and momentum needed to overcome obstacles and continue learning.
Assistants are needed to:
- Help build a welcoming, participatory environment of community, confidence, and positive learning
- Facilitate interactive table-group work in English, using games, role-plays, dialogues, brainstorming, and some written work, possibly using Spanish as an intermediation tool
- Work with individual learners’ work goals, modules, and applied project work to develop documents such as resumes, interview notes, and digital/web search notes when necessary.
- Encourage self-advocacy, persistence, and next steps
Benefits
- Get ongoing training and build mutually supportive relationships in class
- Connect with your community; facilitate others’ efforts to overcome obstacles
- Share or gain experience with program management skills and leadership
- Learn ways to coach, promote learning, and refine teaching skills
- Learn about job and career strategies and workforce training techniques
Commitment/Schedule
- The class meets once a week from 3:00pm - 5:00pm every Saturday starting July 11 through August 1; attendance is required for every session.
- Online training and a fingerprint background check, at no cost to you, is required.
- Volunteers will receive training and support to ensure they are well-prepared for their role.
Prospective volunteers should:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have background or interest in collaborative learning activities for personal and community empowerment
- Have strong social communication skills
- Be able to support adults learning basic digital technology skills and conducting searches
- Be proactive, dependable, patient, and flexible
If interested, and qualified, please contact leslie.lopez@sjlibrary.org.
Language Skills
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Bilingual skills in Spanish and English are preferred but not necessary
Qualifications Required
- Age Must be at least 18+
- Oral and written communication skills in English Must be at least High
- Skilled in basic internet, email, and Microsoft Office Must be Yes
