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Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
  • 38 Ash Street, Boston, MA 02111
  • 617-249-2995
  • Vocational Skills Training
Customer Service Job Training Program with ESOL
Program activities:

The ESOL for Customer Service job training program enhances the job readiness of unemployed or underemployed low-income adult immigrants with limited English proficiency through instruction in finding and applying to jobs online, preparing resumes and other application materials, and interviewing for jobs. Participants will also meet weekly with a career counselor and/or the employment specialist to receive one-on-one job placement services. Upon completing the training, participants will have the motivation and self-confidence to apply and interview successfully for customer service roles geared towards their interests and career goals.

Priority is given to housing voucher recipients, homeless or near homeless individuals, TANF recipients, and individuals with CORI issues. (Funding is available for TANF (TAFDC) recipients to participate in the program, but not through the SNAP Path to Work Program.)

Program Activities include:

  • Intake interview and paperwork
  • In-person instruction in ESOL, Vocational Skills, and Job Search
  • Remote instruction in ESOL, Vocational Skill, and Job Search
  • 1-1 Career Counseling (case management)
  • Field Trips to local employers
  • Guest Speakers
  • Student Showcase/networking event with employers
  • Graduation Ceremony

The ESOL for Customer Service job training program is offered in-person

Program is offered in: English
Participant demographics:

Participants must be 1) adult immigrants with limited English proficiency, 2) residents of Greater Boston, 3) low-income, and 4) authorized to work in the U.S.

Anticipated number of SNAP participants per year: 4
Total hours: 16
Program duration: 9 weeks
Rolling Admission: No
Number of cycles: 4
Program start dates: Spring (Apr-Jun) 2024, Summer (Jul-Sep) 2024
Sample schedule:
HoursActivity TypeMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
9:00am-12:00pmVocational Skills Training
9:00am-10:30amJob Search Training (asynchronous, 3 hrs/wk)
1:00pm-2:00pmCareer Counseling (case management) 1 hr/wk
Other Schedule Information: Career Counseling/case management is 1 hour/week, scheduled based on the student and advisor’s mutual availability. The hours may differ from the schedule above.
Is the program offered remotely? Possible, but not typical
Is public transportation available? Yes

Location information:

BCNC's Boston site at 38 Ash Street, Boston, MA 02111. It is a two-minute walk from the Tufts Medical Center T stop on the Orange and Silver Lines.
Other requirements: Adult immigrant with limited English proficiency; low-income; work authorization.
Program is CORI friendly? Yes
Other outcomes: Employment/Promotion, Basic skills gain, Industry skills gain, Placement in and entry-level customer service job

Participant Supports:

Participant Support CategoryAll participantsAs needed
DTA SNAP Child Care Referral
DTA SNAP Transportation Support
Books/Supplies
Are there any out of pocket expenses for the participant? No
Do participants receive any pay? Stipend
Other, please explain: $150 visa gift card for 80% attendance at the 5-week mark, $150 Visa gift card for successful completion of program

Contact Information

Program Liaison: Nicole Smith
Telephone: 617-249-2995
Ext: 1030
Program code: BCNC-VT-CS
ABAWD Qualifying? No