ESL/Civics Specialist

Company: International Rescue Committee
Location: Seattle
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. Job Overview: The IRC Immigration Program provides ESL Naturalization Exam Preparation Course four days per week to help adult students build their English language capabilities and civics content. In-person classes are offered at four locations, Kent KCLS, Tukwila KCLS, Arthur Jacobsen Elementary school in Auburn, and IRC office. Each class has a follow-up online class. This position teaches two evening classes (Tue & Wed) at Kent and Tukwila libraries from 6 to 7:30 PM, one online class (Mondays) from 6 to 7:30 PM, and one ESL class (Wednesdays) at Jacobsen Elementary from 3 to 4 PM. The position also supports legal practitioners (Department of Justice (DOJ)-Accredited Representatives) to represent clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position does not provide direct legal advice or guidance but supports the administration of these services provided by Accredited Representatives. Legal services focus only on naturalization. Major Responsibilities: Prepare students for the U.S. Naturalization Exam. Tailor curriculum for hybrid delivery and connect to appropriate textbook support. Teach English language skills (including grammar, conversation, reading and writing, and listening/comprehension) and Civics Content (US History, Government, Traditions and Geography). Teach a multicultural and multilevel classroom of English language learners. Build relationships with partner organizations and local NGOs to develop curriculum and course marketing. Market course and recruit students within the local community and current IRC clients. Assess, track and report student attendance and CASAS assessments Help students become autonomous learners by take-home study habits and foundational ESL skills. Practice USCIS Citizenship interview techniques and skills. Develop supplemental materials and maintain files and records. Other duties as requested by the Civics/ESL Coordinator. Representing IRC with clients, community members, and partners by receiving and returning phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, supporting events (including group processing events), and conducting outreach for naturalization services and the class. Note: this position does not provide legal guidance or advice. Only Accredited Legal Representatives or Staff Attorneys provide these services. Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to: Immigration Manager Other Internal contacts: Volunteers and Interns Job Requirements: Degree in TESOL or related field in education. Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in an ESL/English language learner setting. Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred. In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted. Strong Intercultural communication skills. Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to learn new processes. Positive attitude and energetic. Patience and empathy for adult students. Understanding of trauma-informed approach to serving immigrant clients. Flexibility to work with a variety of student needs and language levels. Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning. Working Environment : Standard, professional office environment, mainly working at KCLS Library locations (flexible remote and in-office) Access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area Union Eligible: This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. Compensation: ( Pay Range: $28.00 - $29.50 ) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: International Rescue Committee, Seattle , ESL/Civics Specialist, Education / Teaching , Seattle, Washington