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Are you motivated by mission-driven work which creates meaningful change? Are you a creative problem solver with strong communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment? If this sounds like you, we want you on our team! Please click on job title to view full job description and ‘how to apply’ instructions.

The Welcoming Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ candidates, and people from all other underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! See below for our open positions.

Terms of Employment

Contract position from July 2025-December 2025, with possibility of extension contingent on funding.

Organization

The Welcoming Center’s (TWC) mission is to promote inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. We seek to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and to build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and well-being. TWC does this through training programs focused on social, civic, and economic engagement which enhance skills and expand opportunities. TWC believes that immigrants broaden the productivity, profitability, and stability of this region and contribute to both Pennsylvania’s and the nation’s economic growth. Primary program areas include Work Readiness, Entrepreneurship, Community Leadership, and ESOL & Digital Skills Training, all designed to help immigrants overcome integration barriers. TWC is based in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit www.welcomingcenter.org.

Position Summary

The Regional Employment Specialist (ES) is a full-time position on the Work Readiness team and plays an integral role in relationship management with program staff, participants, and external employer stakeholders. In collaboration with the program manager, staff, and volunteers, the Employment Specialist is responsible for supporting International Professionals Program (IPP) participants in their job search and career development process. The ES will work closely with participants to assess their skills, develop individualized employment plans, and connect them with suitable job opportunities and career development resources. The role involves both direct service and partnership building with local employers. The Regional ES will be responsible for supporting IPP’s expansion into Chester and Montgomery Counties, working with participants from those regions. Services will be primarily offered in Philadelphia and virtually, but occasional travel will be required.

Essential Functions

  • In all duties, demonstrate a commitment to organizational core values which uplift the skills, experience, and aspirations of program participants and recognize their role as agents of the change they seek.
  • Under the supervision of the IPP Program Manager, facilitates workforce programming and assists in the development and maintenance of coaching standards based on best practices for English Language Learners (ELLs).
  • Conduct intake assessments to identify program participants’ skills and career goals and work with them on a plan for how to achieve those goals.
  • Work closely with the Employer Partnership Coordinator and other Employment Specialists to identify and share resources and job opportunities concerning our job seekers.Using best practices for individual coaching the ES will provide one-on-one coaching to participants on resources for job search or accredited job training programs and future professional success.
  • Maintains familiarity with the resources to assist participants with their job searches in a variety of professional and non-professional fields.
  • Support participants in identifying transferable skills from one profession to another unrelated profession, as well as providing job readiness training. This includes tackling large issues such as career exploration and decision making, as well as tactical skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, and application preparation.
  • As a part of outreach, intake and program administration, collect various forms of data from participants, volunteers, and employers with high attention to detail, privacy and data integrity.
  • Keep current records in Salesforce and other platforms for all participants and programming details. Provide data internally as requested.
  • In coordination with the rest of the team, organize networking events and attend job fairs to connect employers with potential candidates.
  • Assist in alumni community building efforts through outreach, communication, planning activities, and long-term support, collaborating with all programming within the organization.

 

Competencies

  • Understanding of career coaching/counseling practices, techniques, and theories. Attend related continued education opportunities for professional development such as associations, meetings, and conferences. Ability to share knowledge, expertise, and learnings with colleagues and participants.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated experience working with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Experience working with ELLs is desirable.
  • Demonstrated initiative and creativity in program planning and implementation, especially regarding participant outreach and job search.
  • Strong commitment to the core values of community, collaboration, imaginative thinking, and taking an asset-based, participant-centered approach.
  • Ability to externally share information and promote the program in outreach efforts to local institutions, organizations, community groups, and potential employer partners.
  • Availability to share evening and weekend hours with fellow teammates (evening hours until 7:30 up to two times per week) for programming.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented with an ability to see projects through to completion and
  • effectively communicate updates to supervisors, colleagues, and staff across programs. Ability to manage files and data in consistent ways so that file-sharing is efficient.
  • Strong computer skills, including an understanding of cloud-based computer platforms.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and other job-seeking online tools, and remote learning tools.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

 

Work environment

Operates in a professional office environment or remotely. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.• Occasional travel is possible when attending conferences and representing the organization at various events.

 

Physical Demands

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Prolonged periods of standing and facilitation in a classroom setting.
  • Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds at times.

 

Preferred education and experience

  • Lived experience from immigrant and refugee communities and/or communities of color.
  • Bachelor’s degree required in human resources, business, intercultural communication, education, or another relevant field.
  • Demonstrated experience or equivalent classroom training in career pathway development, one-on-one coaching, and tutoring.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate or give presentations.
  • Experience working with English Language Learners desirable.
  • Bilingual in Arabic, Spanish, French, or Russian desirable but not required.

 

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The Welcoming Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Welcoming Center will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

 

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time / 40 hours per week position that will require schedule flexibility to accommodate for some evening hours. We offer a competitive benefits package, including vacation, health care (medical, dental, vision), sick leave, and access to a 403(B) plan.

Salary: $48,000-$54,000 annually

Application Submission To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@welcomingcenter.org with the subject “Regional Employment Specialist.”

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including those of any age, race, religion, gender, ability, or sexual orientation

FSLA Classification: Exempt (Salary)

Reports to: ESOL Program Manager

Direct Reports: None

Anticipated Start Date: Sep. 2, 2025

Who We Are:

Founded in 2003, The Welcoming Center (TWC) works to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and wellbeing. TWC promotes inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. TWC collaborates with its participants, a broad spectrum of organizations, and public and private sector institutions to advance learning, shape policy, and grow the economy. To learn more about our programs and what we offer visit The Welcoming Center.

Position Overview:

The Instructor will provide English instruction integrated with digital literacy and other critical workforce and life skills to adult learners in the Philadelphia area, with a particular focus on Northeast Philadelphia. As part of this role, the Instructor will coordinate and teach a range of TWC’s contextualized ESOL classes that integrate English with digital skills training and goal-oriented content. Classes may include: English for Job Search, English for Workplace Communication, and English for Entrepreneurship. The Instructor will work with the ESOL Program Manager to refine curriculum, engage volunteers, and support participant engagement. The Instructor will also collaborate closely with Intake Coordinators and the Participant Support & Intake Coordinator to ensure that ESOL participants gain language proficiency, job opportunities, and social and economic integration. As a key part of the ESOL and Digital Skills Training team at The Welcoming Center, the Instructor will also contribute to the vision for the ESOL program, including identifying meaningful ways to engage participants in leadership and volunteer opportunities within the organization and beyond.

Position Requirements:

  • Teach in-person and/or online lessons using existing curriculum, making modifications as needed.
  • Provide English and digital skills instruction using strategies that are effective with participants of various linguistic, educational, cultural competence, and ability levels.
  • Use both standardized and authentic assessment methods to measure student progress.
  • Develop warm, welcoming relationships with participants and provide regular feedback.2
  • In collaboration with the ESOL Program Manager and the Director of ESOL & Digital Skills, develop and implement contextualized ESOL opportunities that are integrated with other TWC program areas and goals.
  • Coordinate volunteers to support ESOL classes and workshops, and work collaboratively with volunteers who provide classroom and individual assistance to participants.
  • Collaborate with other Welcoming Center staff regarding participant goals, progress, and employment opportunities/career pathways. Establish and maintain connections with other TWC programs and staff that strengthen ESOL support organization-wide.
  • Refer participants as necessary to TWC participant support resources.
  • Support recruitment, outreach, and program administration activities for classes and workshops, including the collection of various forms of data from participants, volunteers, and employers.
  • Maintain high attention to detail, privacy, and data integrity.
  • Keep current enrollment, attendance, and service delivery records in Salesforce and other platforms for all class participants. Provide data to supervisor, as requested.
  • Work with the ESOL Program Manager, Director of ESOL & Digital Skills, and the Strategy and
  • Impact Coordinator to develop and conduct assessments and evaluations for ESOL activities, and report results.
  • Share information and promote the program in outreach efforts to local institutions, organizations, community groups and potential employer partners.
  • Support the ESOL Program Manager and other TWC staff to develop and pilot initiatives to enhance language learning, practice, and feedback opportunities for participants.
  • Support the ESOL Director and ESOL Program Manager in expansion of ESOL program to other locations.
  • Support ESOL team and other TWC staff on events and opportunities that promote TWC participant engagement, leadership development, intercultural sharing, and community-building.
  • Cultivate partnership opportunities that strengthen The Welcoming Center’s ESOL and digital skills training work – including presenting at conferences, attending networking events, and developing connections with area adult education providers, immigrant community organizations, and advocacy groups.
  • Stay informed of developments in the arenas of adult ESOL, digital literacy and digital equity, integrated education and training (IET), language access, and immigrant integration.
  • In all duties, demonstrate a commitment to organizational core values which uplift the skills, experiences, and aspirations of program participants and recognize their role as agents of the change they seek.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Attributes:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and certification in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL / TEFL); a combination of education and experience will also be considered.
  • 2-3 years experience teaching adults in a community-based setting.
  • Familiarity and experience with a range of adult education pedagogical approaches.3
  • Strong commitment to and demonstrated experience with participant-centered, asset-based, relational approaches to education and community-building.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and telephone communication skills. Comfortable adapting communication style to a diverse range of participants. Demonstrated evidence of ability to navigate conversations which may be difficult due to language, culture, and other circumstances which may lead to misunderstanding.
  • Strong computer skills, including an understanding of cloud-based computer platforms. Familiarity with Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint, online job search tools, and digital literacy & remote learning tools.
  • Willingness to work at TWC’s satellite locations in Northeast and South Philly, as well as in TWC’s Center City office.
  • Detail-oriented, creative thinker with strong sense of initiative and commitment to equity.

Preferred Education & Attributes:

  • Lived experience from immigrant and refugee communities and/or communities of color.
  • Master’s degree preferred – or five years of progressive experience in ESOL instruction, adult education, training, facilitation, or workforce development fields.
  • Previous experience teaching digital literacy – including using internet, email, word processing, and online job searching – especially to English Language Learners.
  • Experience in workforce development, such as teaching job search skills such as job interviews and resume and cover letter development, a plus.
  • Experience in cross-team collaboration.
  • Experience using Salesforce.
  • Bilingual ability is a plus, though not required.
  • Curriculum design experience a plus.
  • Reliable transportation a plus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Instructor will be expected to spend 25-50% of their time working out of TWC’s satellite offices. Instructor will also be expected to work from TWC’s main office in Center City 3 days per week when teaching in Center City and 1-2 days per week when teaching at satellite locations.

Work environment:

  • Operates in a professional office environment or remotely. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
  • Dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes ambiguous environment.
  • Satellite offices located at Bok Building (South Philadelphia) and PATH Center (NE Philadelphia).

Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds at times.
  • Standing for extended periods.
  • Walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces or long distances.
  • Climbing stairs or ladders.
  • Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching.
  • Reaching overhead or at shoulder level.
  • Pushing or pulling objects (carts, equipment, etc.).
  • Driving to satellite offices, as needed.

Benefits:

  • Paid Vacation
  • 401(k)
  • Sick Time
  • Personal Days
  • Health Insurance
  • Healthcare FSA
  • Commuter Benefit Program
  • 12 Paid Holidays

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

The Welcoming Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Welcoming Center will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Application Process

This is a full-time / 40 hours per week position that may require occasional evening or weekend hours. To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to: jobs@welcomingcenter.org, with the subject

“ESOL Instructor.”

Applications due by Monday, August 4. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Starting salary range for this position is $52,000–$54,000 a year based on skills and qualifications.