Newcomer Language Specialist

Immigrant Services Calgary; Medicine Hat; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A community services organization in Medicine Hat seeks a Newcomer Language Specialist to support language assessment and referral services. You will evaluate clients' language skills, provide referrals to training options, and ensure data compliance. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and over 300 hours of teaching experience in Canada. This casual position offers flexible hours during weekdays, and candidates must be authorized to work in Canada.

Qualifications

• 300+ hours of teaching language to adults in Canada within the past two years.
• Knowledge and experience in working with CLB assessments.
• Familiarity with Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Responsibilities

• Administer language assessments according to CLB standards.
• Provide referrals for appropriate language training options.
• Monitor and maintain accurate assessment data and client profiles.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

Undergraduate degree in relevant field

TESL training program

Job description

About Us:

For over 40 years, Immigrant Services Calgary has been an integral part of the Calgary community, working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of newcomers. Through our work, we ensure families and individuals have the support they need to successfully begin a new chapter of their lives in Canada.

We continually innovate in our work, reimagining and transforming the newcomer experience to make it easier for our clients to access the support they need to thrive. We collaborate with partner agencies, governments, organizations, and community advocates, to help immigrants and refugees build thriving lives in our community.

Immigrant Services Calgary helps over 10,000 newcomers each year, connecting them to programs and services to unleash their potential.

Our Vision: Unleashing the economic, social, and civic potential of clients.

Our Mission: Connecting newcomers to the right service at the right agency every time.

Our Values: we are forward thinking, adaptable and optimistic. We value accountability, collaboration, and impactfulness. We act with integrity and treat people with respect.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the CLARC Team Lead, the Newcomer Language Specialist supports the language assessment and referral services model and ensures compliance of operating standards and protocols at assigned locations.

This is a casual position located in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Casual hours can be flexible, but successful candidates will need to be available Monday-Friday during business hours for the duration of the training. Training will take approximately 3 weeks.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Administer language assessments to evaluate clients' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) standards, including preparing testing materials, and ensuring adherence to testing protocols and security measures.
• Administer designated language assessments in person in a satellite office in Medicine Hat.
• Provide thorough needs assessments of clients applying for language programs, including special needs, accommodations, and preferences for language training.
• Ensure clients are advised on all appropriate language training options that meet their needs, goals, and preferences.
• Provide referrals to clients to appropriate programs through established protocols.
• Record and maintain accurate assessment data, including test scores, client profiles, and referral information; enter required data into centralized data base and ensure accuracy of data input according to funders’ requirements.
• Participate, where possible, and represent CLARC in events and activities with internal and external stakeholders, and relevant professional associations such as ATESL.
• Assist with the general task work necessary to the smooth functioning of the Centre, including planning and facilitating workshops, seminars, or informational sessions on CLARC activities, participating in report preparation, completing client follow ups, supporting the training and development of new staff, participating in the documentation of operational workflows.
• Create assessment report and referral within SF; send referral email to service providers and email clients their official CLB results; complete evaluation and service recording to complete client’s file.
• Monitor the LINC re-referral queue, and the Re-assessment Approval queue in SF; contact clients as needed to discuss their needs, validating within funder data base, and complete service requests within a timely manner.

• Other duties as assigned by the Team Lead
• Provide feedback to clients regarding their assessment results, including recommendations for further language learning or skill development.
• Participate in designated professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices, CLB/NCLC guidelines, and relevant research in the field.
• Based on skills, capacity, and assignment may provide Education Counselling sessions to eligible clients.
  • Provision of online, in person, and telephone appointments
  • Preparation and provision of individual educational plans based on clients’ interests, abilities, and future plans.
  • Supporting clients with career planning to identify potential career pathways and employment requirements.
  • Providing resource referrals to connect clients’ relevant resources and support services to address academic, personal, or socio-economic challenges that may impact educational success.
  • Complete accurate and timely data entry, and reporting activities, including service recordings, client follow ups, and record keeping.

Qualifications and skills:

Education

• Undergraduate degree in relevant field of Education, Modern Language, Linguistics or English.
• Completion of TESL training program from a college or university; minimum 100 hours of practicum.
• Successful completion of external training delivered by CCLB and/or Achev is an asset.
• CLBA/CLBPT/CLB-LPT/ELPTA.CLBPA certification.

Experience

• 300+hours of teaching language to adults in Canada within the past two years is required.
• Knowledge and experience in working with CLB assessments.
• For Education Counselling, working knowledge of various academic, up skilling, and employment programs related to language training and acquisition.

Attributes and Core Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management, multitasking and problem solving.
• Excellent computer, data entry and typing skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Familiarity with Canadian Language Benchmarks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong Time management skills.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity, with prior experience working across a variety of cultural and language groups.

How to Apply:

To apply, please ensure your application documents include your full name in the title and submit them directly through our website. We kindly request that applications be submitted exclusively through our website and refrain from sending applications via email or phone.

Note: Internal applicants are requested to submit their applications through Dayforce.

We appreciate your interest in ISC and will reach out to shortlisted candidates as we move forward in the selection process. Your passion for supporting newcomers is valued, and we look forward to considering your application.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are proud to be a welcoming and inclusive organization that embraces the diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives of every individual. We believe that diversity strengthens us, enabling us to better support our clients and create a richer community.

Our commitment to equality means that all qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. Every person, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability, is not only welcomed but celebrated for their authentic selves. If you require accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please let us know. Your needs are important to us, and we're here to ensure a smooth and accessible experience.

Note: We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

We are honoured to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.