Bilingual Assistant Job Description
About the position
There are 5 positions available for Bilingual Assistants.
The position is for a fixed term from 16 February to 27 November 2015. The classes run during the school
term and so there is no work during the school holidays.
The classes are for learners who have little or no education in their first language and limited English. Many
of the learners in these classes are from a refugee background. The classes run for 10 hours per week
(usually 2 ½ hrs a day for 4 days each week) in various parts of west and central Auckland. You will also
spend some time meeting with the teacher each week to prepare and discuss the lessons. You will need to
be willing to travel for training (usually once a year).
Classes will be held in New Lynn, Massey, Sandringham, and Mt Roskill. The hourly rate is $23.00 gross per
hour. You will report to the Centre Manager and your class teacher.
To apply for this position
Complete the application form.
Email the following 3 documents to Dorothy Thwaite at dorothy.thwaite@englishlanguage.org.nz by
Monday 26 January (9am). If you have any questions please email Dorothy at this address also.
1. Application form
2. A covering letter telling us how you meet the job requirements
3. Your CV
We will interview people for these jobs in the first week of February.
Purpose of position
The purpose of this position is to support the ESOL-Literacy Teacher by providing bilingual assistance to the
learners in the class room. Sometimes you will assist the teacher by working with learner/s while they are
working with other learner/s in the classroom.
Job description
Duties:
Bi-lingual Assistants working on the ESOL Literacy programme are expected to assist the teacher to plan,
prepare, and teach sessions to learners, assess learner progress, and administer the records required to
meet the programme reporting requirements.
Programme Objectives
 To provide and teach a programme in literacy in English to adult ESOL refugee and migrant learners
who have little or no literacy either in English or in their first language. This is to be taught in a
classroom environment with access to support from the first language where possible.
 To provide learners with appropriate skills and confidence in using classroom and learning routines in
preparation for participation in the community, which may include further education, training or work.
 To provide meaningful information on progress made learners in the programme
 To inform, encourage and support volunteer tutors and paid assistants appointed to assist in the
literacy class.
 To deliver the programme as per the ELPNZ programme requirements and standards.
 To abide by the Philosophy and Code of Practice of ELPNZ, making the learners’ needs the central focus
and respecting their confidentiality and cultural needs at all times.
Key Tasks
Assist the teacher as required with the
preparation and teaching of lessons
according to the literacy programme
curriculum
Provide explanation and support for
learners, in English and in their first
language when appropriate
Assist the learners to gain appropriate
skills and confidence in using classroom
and learning routines
Assist with administration and
resourcing as necessary e.g. distributing
resources, setting out the classroom
Practise under the guidance of the tutor,
alongside other assistants and
volunteers assisting in the class
Attend appropriate training and
professional development opportunities
Outcomes
Regular consultation meetings with the tutor
Learning outcomes achieved by most learners.
Most learners show satisfaction in student feedback
Learning outcomes achieved by at least 80% of the learners.
At least 90% of the learners show satisfaction in the student
feedback.
Learners participate in classroom activities
The Bilingual Assistant models skills and strategies for
learners to learners.
Learners are encouraged to practise appropriate skills in the
classroom
Teachers and Bilingual Assistants work together with clear
expectations of who does what
Regular staff meetings attended.
You receive adequate direction, support and resourcing.
Participate in at least one Performance Appraisal per year
ELPNZ Certificate in ESOL-Literacy for Bilingual Assistants is
completed
Ongoing professional development is undertaken (a
minimum of one piece of PD annually)
Job requirements
You need to
1. Have the respect of your own ethnic community and be involved and active in that community
2. Have accurate and fluent spoken English
3. Have a good standard of literacy in your own language and English
4. Be interested in and prepared to adapt to New Zealand teaching methods
5. Knowledge about refugee resettlement and refugee issues
Personal Attributes
 Honesty and integrity
 Cultural sensitivity and empathy
 High standard of professionalism
 Flexibility and adaptability
 Organised and attentive to detail
 Self-motivated and able to work to deadlines
 Dynamic and enthusiastic
 Ability to work under pressure, independently and as part of a team
 Welcomes and values diversity, and contributes to an inclusive working environment where
differences are acknowledged and respected