Naturalization Instructor

Job Title: Naturalization Instructor

Department: CESS

Reports to: Director of Workforce and Community Support Programs

Job Type: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt. Contractor/Hybrid

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Salary Range: $30/hour (up to 20 hours per week)

Rincon - Building Spaces, Restoring Communities- Who we are:

What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling and crisis intervention services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing to advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families. 

Position Description – What the Role Entails:

Rincon Family Services is proud to support immigrant families and individuals as they work toward stability, empowerment, and full participation in their communities. We are seeking a bilingual Naturalization Instructor who is passionate about education, community service, and adult learning to guide students through the U.S. citizenship preparation process.

This role plays a meaningful part in helping community members gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to successfully complete the USCIS Naturalization Exam and interview. The ideal candidate brings both instructional experience and a deep commitment to serving diverse populations with respect and compassion.

Company Culture - Do Our Values Speak to You?

At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value: 

• Dedication- Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care. 
• Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.
• Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.
• Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.
• Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:

• Facilitate U.S. citizenship preparation classes in a supportive and welcoming environment 2-3 days per week
• Teach civics, U.S. history, and government concepts aligned with the USCIS naturalization exam
• Conduct practice naturalization interviews and provide constructive feedback
• Support students with study materials, learning strategies, and test preparation techniques
• Encourage confidence and readiness for the citizenship interview process
• Support adult English language learners
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects diverse backgrounds and experiences
• All other duties as assigned.

Rincon Rewards & Benefits- How we value you:

• Health insurance 
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Life insurance 
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable. 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Professional Development Opportunities 
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits

Rincon’s Work Environment – What to expect:

• Work Environment: Job involves performing tasks on-site or in a virtual setting.
• Mental Demands: Work requires adherence to precise procedures and standards involving a high degree of accuracy in observing, recording and reporting data.
• Physical Demands: Appreciable physical effort or strain. Moderately heavy activity. May include lifting. 
• Contractor: The instructor will be considered an independent contractor and must fill out a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), W-9 form and is responsible for filing taxes and deductions. The instructor is not considered to be an employee of Rincon Family Services, therefore is not eligible for benefits

Schedule:

• 2-3 days per week, 2-hour teaching sessions and one hour of preparation.
• Classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday classes based on program demand. 
• Instructional assignments and classes may occur anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 
• Schedules will be determined based on participant enrollment, program needs, and instructor availability. 
• Contractors are expected to be available for assigned class times and to provide instruction for the full duration of scheduled courses. 
• Occasional evening and weekend assignments may be required. 
• Additional time outside of instructional hours may be needed for lesson preparation, attendance tracking, student communication, and required program documentation.

Language:

• Bilingual Spanish/English and Bicultural applicants strongly preferred

RINCON FAMILY SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex civics and citizenship concepts in a clear, culturally responsive, and engaging manner. 
• Patience, empathy, and a learner-centered approach when working with adult learners from diverse backgrounds, education levels, and language proficiencies. 
• Adaptability and flexibility to deliver instruction effectively in both virtual and in-person environments. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including maintaining attendance records, student progress documentation, and required program reporting. 
• Dependability and accountability, including consistent attendance and punctuality for scheduled classes. 
• Initiative and problem-solving skills to adjust lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom activities to meet student needs. 
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming learning environment that supports student success.

Position Qualifications – What is required to Perform the Role: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Fluency in both Spanish and English
• Must have a phone or a way to communicate with the office daily
• Prior experience teaching citizenship or naturalization preparation classes preferred
• Familiarity with USCIS citizenship exam requirements and interview process
• Local travel to instructional sites may be required for in-person classes.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, microphone, and video conferencing technology. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.
• Must be able to climb stairs several times a day.
• Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies.
• Experience teaching adults in an educational, community, or nonprofit setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, staff, and community members.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while teaching, preparing lesson materials, and completing administrative tasks. 
• Ability to stand and move throughout a classroom setting during in-person instruction. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in both individual and group settings. 
• May occasionally be required to transport instructional materials weighing up to 10 pounds.