Administrative Assistant and Citizenship Instructor

Job Title: Administrative Assistant and Citizenship Instructor

Classification & FLSA Status: Full time | Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $20.00 - $23.00 hourly, depending on experience

Department: Legal Department | Citizenship and Family-Based Unit

Reports to: Citizenship Education Coordinator, Supervising Attorney & Managing Attorney

Job Summary

The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks a bilingual administrative assistant and citizenship instructor. The Legal Assistant and Citizenship instructor is responsible for assisting Attorneys/Accredited Representatives in providing legal services as well as teaching citizenship education classes. The position will consist of administrative duties, classroom instruction, and developing curriculum. The position is housed within CARECEN’s Citizenship and Family-Based Immigration team in Los Angeles. Class instruction will primarily take place at the LA Public Library branches, such as Sun Valley branch, or CARECEN Central – locations and schedule may vary.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

* As Administrative Assistant:

• Administrative duties in support of our citizenship class services as assigned by Managing and Supervising Attorney;

• Assist with student outreach, recruitment, and tracking of student attendance;

• Assist with student testing and grant reporting, on as needed basis;

• Provide administrative and technological assistance for citizenship instruction, on a as needed basis;

• Assist clients in mock citizenship exams and training of class volunteers, on an as needed basis;

• Maintain, update, and improve team administration;

• Assist with team mailing and administrative needs, as needed;

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

* As Citizenship Instructor:

• Teach citizenship education classes in English and Spanish, in-person, at LA Public Library Branch;

• Step in as substitute teacher for online classes, as needed;

• Remain in regular communication with the Citizenship Education Program Coordinator regarding classroom instruction;

• Attend trainings and meetings regarding curriculum and class expectations;

• Assist with student data management, including the Citizenship class inquiry, internal student database, and other systems;

• Assist in onboarding the student for in-person classes;

• Assist with occasional review and guidance of volunteers performing mock interviews/tutoring sessions for in-person;

• Work with CARECEN staff and local libraries in class registration and data management;

• Incorporate multimedia aids as supplied by CARECEN into classroom activities;

• Conduct mock citizenship exams and mock interviews with the aid of students and volunteers;

• Assist students with use of study aids, and technology, including computer programs and Internet-based aids;

• Foster student participation;

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skill/Qualifications

* Experience in immigration law or ESL instruction (preferred)

* Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English languages (required)

* Excellent communication, interviewing, and writing skills (required)

* Cultural  or  trauma-informed  sensitivity  and  desire  to  work  with  immigrant families (required)

* Attention to detail and effective time management skills strongly preferred (required)

* Ability to work well under pressure (required)

* Effectively with diverse groups of clients and volunteers (required)

* Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of CARECEN (required)

Work Schedule

CARECEN office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. The position will require work on Saturdays; thus, an alternative schedule will be created and agreed upon. Flexible work from home schedule may be offered. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others, libraries, and other government facilities, among others.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including a hybrid office and work from home model depending on COVID-19 office policy, CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others including community libraries and other government facilities, among others.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel to CARECEN offices, LA Public Library Branches, and other off-site locations. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits

CARECEN offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Flexible Spending. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided along with 11 paid holidays.

Application Deadline

Deadline October 20, 2023, or until position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Genesis Palma, GPalma@carecen-la.org. Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Only those applicants who submit a complete application per these instructions will be considered. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please.

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.