VOCAL AmeriCorps Member at HANA

HANA Center (HANA) is a community-based nonprofit organization serving the Chicago area, dedicated to addressing the critical needs of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities while fostering systemic change. With offices in Chicago and Prospect Heights, Illinois, HANA strives to empower and uplift diverse communities.

The Community Education program at HANA provides English-language learners within Korean and multiethnic immigrant communities the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to develop essential skills and achieve their goals. These goals include naturalization, pursuing higher education, and securing employment opportunities. A key component of the program is community outreach, which ensures active engagement with participants, as well as the recruitment and support of instructors and volunteer tutors.

Position Summary

HANA’s VOCAL AmeriCorps member is instrumental in enhancing adult literacy programs for low-literate and limited English-speaking adults. Core responsibilities include pairing students with one-on-one and small-group tutors, organizing Literacy Works training certification for tutors, fostering tutor retention, delivering personalized engagement and level assessments for students, and identifying resources to enrich the educational journey of those served by HANA. The VOCAL AmeriCorps member is placed at HANA through a partnership with Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI).

Major Responsibilities:

Volunteer Support

  • Assist with volunteer management including recruitment, student and tutor pairing, and tracking volunteers and students

  • Conduct regular individual and group check-ins with tutors and students including surveys, civics skills testing, etc. 

  • Assist with volunteer data management and coordinate volunteer recognition activities

Literacy Support 

  • Conduct basic skills and literacy evaluations for adult learners

  • Track learner progress through regular assessments and reporting

  • Encourage and support adult learners by helping them develop confidence and a positive attitude about learning

  • Respecting them and involving them in decisions about the learning process

General Support 

  • Assist site supervisor with regular report filing

  • Connect community members with other HANA education programs and services

  • Support tutors to select materials and approaches that are suitable for adult learners’ ability and needs

  • Other responsibilities as assigned

Be the Change: Join VOCAL AmeriCorps

Eligibility and Benefits information provided by Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI)

At VOCAL AmeriCorps, our members reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. If you’re passionate about making an impact, growing as a leader, and helping create lasting change, we want you on our team!


Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: 18 years or older

  • Education: At least two years of college completed (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

  • Skills: Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication

  • Experience: Prior involvement in nonprofit work, education, adult education, or community development is a plus

  • Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check

  • Citizenship Status: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

    • Note: Authorization to work in the U.S. alone is not sufficient. Unfortunately, individuals with DACA status are not eligible at this time.


Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Commitment to immigrant rights and social, economic, and racial justice

  • Familiarity with Korean American, Asian American, or immigrant community issues

  • Confidence in the ability of communities to support, organize, and achieve shared goals

  • Capacity to work independently and collaboratively

  • Bilingual proficiency in Korean and/or Spanish is highly valued

  • Adaptability to work both on-site and remotely

Benefits Offered by Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI)

  • Living Stipend: Bi-weekly financial support to cover basic living expenses

  • Health Coverage: Full health insurance for full-time members, fully funded by LVI

  • Child Care Assistance: Financial support for eligible childcare costs during service

  • Education Award: A post-service lump sum for paying student loans or future education costs

  • Loan Forbearance: Defer payments on qualifying student loans during service, with coverage for accrued interest

  • Professional Growth: Customized personal development plans designed with your goals in mind Access to cohort-wide training sessions on topics like Mental Health First Aid, Conflict Resolution, Self-Care, Resume Building, etc

Reports To: Community Education & Outreach Coordinator 

Application: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@hanacenter.org with the subject “HANA AmeriCorps Member.”


HANA Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply.