Program:
The Immigration Program at Jewish Family Service offers Citizenship and Naturalization Services to lawful permanent residents (LPR's) throughout San Diego County. JFS staff completes and sends the N-400 (application for Citizenship) or N-600 (application for Citizen Certification) and offers classes to assist applicants prepare for the Citizenship Interview, English, and Civics tests.
Goal of Position:
The Citizenship Teaching Assistant is meant to help the Citizenship Instructor in preparing lawful permanent residents for the civics (U.S. history and government) and English (reading, writing, and speaking) components of the naturalization test.
Benefits:
- Equip students with the skills to pass the civics and literacy portions of the Citizenship Test
- Create meaningful cultural exchange and develop intercultural communication skills
Tasks/Responsibilities:
- Attend at least one citizenship class a week and act as classroom aide
- Teach off-site or additional citizenship classes as needed
- Develop an individual plan for each student, and monitor and update student’s plans
- Assist Citizenship Instructor in teaching students by utilizing engaging and innovative teaching methods
- Design and produce teaching supplementary materials and adapt existing materials
- Attend Citizenship Education related meetings
- Communicate regularly with Citizenship Instructor and Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator regarding student updates and progress
- Remain up-to-date regarding naturalization application process and USCIS materials
- Assist Citizenship Instructor in completing required reports and maintaining student files
Qualifications and Requirements:
- At least one year experience working with ESL students or teaching citizenship to adults (preferred)
- Ability to motivate and support students
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Sensitivity to needs of low-income and culturally diverse client population
- Computer literacy
- Flexibility with class schedule; willingness to travel to various locations throughout San Diego county as needed
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Attend a JFS volunteer interview with Immigration Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
- Attend a JFS orientation with JFS Volunteer Engagement
- Complete HIPAA/Privacy Security training
- Must provide own transportation to off-site classes
- Agree to an online background check
- Computer literacy preferred but not required (ebooks and other online learning websites will be used)
- Must honor confidentiality of client records and sign privacy & confidentiality agreement
Time Commitment:
Ideal candidates are able to complete one full citizenship class, which is currently 10 weeks. Class sessions take place weekly and are usually 2-3 hours per session.
Worksite:
Various – Spring Valley, Vista, City Heights, National City, Chula Vista, El Cajon neighborhoods, and JFS campus.
Immediate Supervisor(s):
Citizenship Instructor; Immigration Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
