ESL Facilitator

Job Information:

Job title: ESL Facilitator

Department: Programs, Employment

Reports to: Employment Coordinator - Newcomer Program

Job type: One year contract with possibility of extension

Hours per week: 37.5 hours/week, Monday – Friday 9am-4:30pm, less a daily unpaid ½ hour break

Location: on-site

Minimum Experience: Experienced

Compensation: $55,000 per year

Number of vacancies: 1

This vacancy is for a new role

About Reception House

Reception House is a non-profit, community-based organization that delivers quality settlement, integration and support services to refugees and newcomers in Waterloo Region. Since 1987, Reception House has helped thousands of refugees rebuild their lives in Canada through specialized programs and services designed to help them become established in their new communities. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full-time contract ESL Facilitator on our employment team. The ESL Facilitator will play a key role on our Employment team by helping newcomer clients learn the English skills needed for their first job in Canada. They will design and deliver high quality ESL lessons and assessments that build learners’ workplace language proficiency, communication skills, and cultural understanding. This role will focus on creating engaging and effective learning experiences that support the goal of attaining employment.

What you’ll do: 

• Develop a comprehensive ESL curriculum aligned with language learning objectives.


• Evaluate the needs of diverse newcomer learners and identify appropriate instructional methods that accommodate various learning styles and abilities.


• Develop lesson plans, instructional materials, resources and assessment tools for language learning including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.


• Plan, prepare, and deliver English language lesson plans to adult and youth students in a classroom setting.


• Create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment by using various teaching resources and strategies.


• Conduct student evaluations to measure progress, provide feedback and assess student’s proficiency level in English.


• Stay updated with current research and best practices in language acquisition and instruction.


• Create an inclusive learning environment that acknowledges and respects cultural diversity.


• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of the curriculum, adjusting as necessary to improve learning outcomes.

What you’ll need:

• Post secondary degree or diploma in education, English, or similar, or combination of relevant experience and education.


• Completion of TESL certification is required.


• Minimum of one year experience as an ESL Teacher.


• Excellent knowledge of latest educational resources and teaching techniques.


• Experience working with a diverse population and knowledge of specific issues facing resettled refugees and available resources in the Waterloo Region is an asset.


• Proficiency with computer and mobile devices.


• Strong understanding of language teaching and adult learning methodologies.


• Strong presentation and organizational skills to be able to present information in front of a large group.


• Ability to assess someone’s language knowledge and skills.


• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and respectfully.


• Demonstrated initiative and proactive approach to identifying tasks and supporting client and team needs.


• High level of self-awareness and cultural sensitivity, including an understanding of trauma-informed approaches and their impact on clients.


• Ability to build trust-based relationships and work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments.


• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to respond calmly and effectively in challenging situations.


• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Working conditions: 

• Primarily office-based role requiring a combination of sitting and standing during the workday.


• Occasional travel within Waterloo Region may be required.


• Possible evenings or weekends needed to facilitate classes.

Benefits: 

At Reception House, we truly value our employees and the incredible work that they do. Some benefits we provide include;

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)


• Staff appreciation events


• Wellness initiatives


• Professional development opportunities

Reception House Waterloo Region welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals from all equity-seeking groups. We will accommodate candidates partaking in the recruitment process upon request. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please contact us at [email protected].

We are committed to providing clear and equitable compensation information. The compensation posted reflects the expected pay for this role at the time of posting and may be adjusted based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.