Bilingual Education Specialist

Bethany; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan with employer-m

Generous time off

Education reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking an Education Specialist to develop ESL classes and life-skills curricula for youth in the refugee/immigrant program. You will document progress, coordinate with local schools, and ensure educational continuity across residences.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, English/Spanish bilingualism, and commitment to 40 hours of annual training, with on-site duties including occasional nights or weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Recreation Therapy, Education, or equivalent from an accredited college.
• Previous work experience in community education and/or child welfare.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish required.
• Must be able to complete the 40 hours of annual training.
• Knowledge of the U.S. public school system.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills with cross-cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate ESL classes and study time activities for all youth within program.
• Effectively document youth education progress.
• Effectively communicate with residents' schools to ensure consistent educational progress.
• Develop and implement life skills curriculum in alignment with program and agency expectations.
• Maintain clear records of youth attendance and participation in class and report to the assigned Case Manager.
• Maintain communication with collateral resources as indicated by client needs and supervision.
• Provide educational materials for residents in the home to use.
• Provide and assess an English and Life Skills needs test for all newly arriving residents and at graduation.
• Conduct assessment and matching of mentors with mentees.
• Conduct case recordings in compliance with state licensing standards and DHS standards.
• Prepare and be involved in supervision with the Home Coordinator.
• Provide recommendations for treatment approaches in staff meetings and conferences.
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective service coordination within the program.
• Stay abreast of community resources, when necessary.

Skills

Bilingual: English & Spanish

Excellent verbal & written comms

Cross-cultural sensitivity

Teamwork & interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services / Recreation Therapy / Education or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Category: Social Services - Refugee & Immigrant Program

Requisition Number: EDUCA001564

• Posted : August 18, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

MI-KZoo-6687 Seeco Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 490095970, USA

• Pay or shift range: $22 USD to $25 USD This is the expected starting range for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As an Education Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Develop and facilitate ESL classes and study time activities for all youth within program;
• Effectively document youth education progress;
• Effectively communicate with resident's school to ensure consistent educational progress;
• Develop and implement life skills curriculum in alignment with program and agency expectations;
• Maintain clear records of youth attendance and participation in class and report out to the assigned Case Manager;
• Maintain communication with collateral resources as indicated by client needs and supervision;
• Provide educational materials for residents in the home to use;
• Provide and assess an English and Life Skills needs test for all newly arriving residents and at graduation;
• Conduct assessment and matching of mentors with mentees;
• Conduct case recordings in compliance with state licensing standards and DHS standards;
• Prepare and be involved in supervision with the Home Coordinator;
• Provide recommendations for treatment approaches and interventions in staff meetings, and conferences, while presenting formulations and behavioral observations regarding each resident's treatment;
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective service coordination within the program;
• Stay abreast of and solicit community resources, when necessary;
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor's level degree in Human Services, Recreation Therapy, Education, or equivalent from an accredited college;
• Previous work experience in community education and/or child welfare;
• Bilingual: English and Spanish required;
• Previous work experience with refugees and minority families, a plus;
• Must have an ability to complete the 40 hours of annual training;
• Must possess knowledge of the U.S. public school system;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills with cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Must possess knowledge of current recreation therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and group counseling techniques;
• Must have an ability to be mature and reflect stable judgement;
• Have an ability to pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline hepatitis immunization;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route:
• Varicella: two doses of varicella vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR born in the United States before 1980 with a reported history of chickenpox (verified by an adult present at the time of illness) OR titers indicating varicella immunity OR documentation from a healthcare provider verifying previous infection;
• MMR: two doses of MMR vaccine (at least four weeks apart) OR titers indicating immunity to all three diseases;
• TDap or Tdap: Complete primary vaccination series. If primary vaccination series completed in childhood, one Tdap dose in adulthood;
• Influenza: one dose annually during flu season;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursueexcellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generoustimeoff(11paidholidays,PTOYour Way,paidparentalleave,separatesickandpaidabsencebanks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.