Bilingual Class Assistant

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with employer matching

Job summary

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) is seeking a Bilingual Class Assistant to support immigrant adults in classroom and digital skills. You will assist with bilingual ESL-related activities and provide patient, language-accessible instruction under the guidance of the Digital Navigator.

The role emphasizes cultural humility, strong communication in English and at least one other language, and the ability to adapt to a variety of classroom settings across Greater Boston.

Qualifications

• Ability to explain technology skills clearly to adult learners with varying English proficiency.
• Patient, respectful, culturally responsive teaching approach.
• Confidentiality and ability to follow lesson plans.

Responsibilities

• Support the Digital Navigator during bilingual computer skills classes for immigrant adults.
• Provide language-accessible explanations and one-on-one assistance in English and at least one additional language (e.g., Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Haitian Creole).
• Assist with classroom setup, device distribution, login support, and basic troubleshooting.
• Reinforce lessons on security, online fraud prevention, AI tools, and workforce readiness.
• Encourage participant engagement and maintain a patient, culturally sensitive environment.
• Document attendance, surveys, and participant questions; communicate needs to the Digital Navigator.

Education

No degree required

Job description

Make a lasting impact on the lives of immigrant families and thrive professionally while contributing to our mission-driven culture. For more than 50 years, BCNC has been providing new immigrants, especially Asians, with the support and resources they need to thrive in the United States. With deep roots in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood, BCNC now serves people from three locations in Greater Boston. Its holistic, family-centered programs reach 13,000 children, youth, and adults each year, setting them up for success in school, work, and life. BCNC also builds vibrant communities through Pao Arts Center, along with its collaborations and research.

Why Join Us

At BCNC, we are passionate about making a meaningful difference in our community. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to social impact and is both supportive and resourceful. We believe in fostering an empowering and inclusive work environment where every individual can contribute, grow, and thrive. If you are looking for a rewarding career that allows you to align your passion with making meaningful change, explore our open positions and join us in our mission to pave the way for a better tomorrow.

What You Will Do

The Bilingual Class Assistant is a member of the BCNC Adult Education and Workforce team. Adult Education prepares adult immigrant learners with the education, training, and guidance that lead them to successful employment and family-sustaining wages. You will strengthen immigrant adults and teach individuals English and the critical skills they need to thrive in today’s economy. You will report directly to the Assistant Director of Adult Education.

In this role, you will:

• Support the Digital Navigator during one or more assigned bilingual computer skills classes for immigrant adults with limited English proficiency
• Provide language-accessible explanations, demonstrations, and one-on-one assistance in English and at least one of the following languages: Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, or Haitian Creole
• Provide classroom support for assigned class sections and communicate regularly with the Digital Navigator about lesson preparation, participant needs, and scheduling
• Reinforce lessons related to security, online fraud prevention, AI tools, digital communication, workforce readiness, and independent technology use
• Assist with classroom setup and cleanup, distribution of devices and materials, login support, basic troubleshooting, and safe handling of computer equipment
• Encourage participant engagement and confidence while maintaining a patient, respectful, and culturally responsive learning environment
• Support attendance, participant check-in, surveys, assessments, and documentation of participant questions or digital navigation services, as directed
• Communicate participant needs, technology problems, and classroom observations promptly to the Digital Navigator
• Participate in required onboarding, training, supervision, and lesson-preparation activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

What We Look For

• There is no specific degree or certificate required. Relevant community, classroom, volunteer, professional, or lived experience is valued
• Ability to explain technology skills clearly and patiently to adult learners with varying levels of English proficiency and digital experience
• Reliable, organized, and able to follow lesson plans, protect participant privacy, and communicate concerns to the instructor
• Demonstrate cultural humility and commitment to supporting immigrant, low-income, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Professional working proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in at least one of the following languages is required: Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, or Haitian Creole

What We Offer

• Retirement plan with employer matching

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule and may require local travel during the workday
• This position involves performing essential job functions in typical work environments, including but not limited to offices, classrooms, or community settings. Duties may require routine movement such as walking, standing, and bending. Depending on the role, responsibilities may also include the ability to move items weighing up to 25–50 pounds, and the use of computer equipment and effective communication. All essential functions can be performed with or without reasonable accommodations

Compensation

$17.50 – $18.00 hourly

You must be authorized to work in the United States. BCNC does not provide sponsorship for an employment work visa.

BCNC is an equal opportunity non-profit organization that supports diversity and encourages all employees and applicants to apply. The language proficiency requirement is based solely on the needs of the position and is essential for fulfilling the role’s responsibilities. BCNC is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local laws.