Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to providing lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to war or disaster. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and has 29 regional offices across the United States, where it helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The organization focuses on ensuring that refugees thrive in America by providing services such as education for children, employment opportunities for adults, and medical care for families recovering from trauma or illness. The IRC Wichita office has been assisting refugees since 2011 and offers a variety of services including trauma-informed family support, economic empowerment, education for youth and adults, and immigration services. The IRC's mission is to help those in need rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home.

Job Overview:
The Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist plays a crucial role in the implementation, coordination, and support of the IRC’s early childhood programming. This position is aligned with the organization's goals and focuses on engaging with caregivers of children aged 0-

• The ERSI Specialist is responsible for conducting program intakes, presenting information on childcare options and preschool services, and connecting caregivers with relevant resources. The role requires a proactive approach to developing resources and expanding partnerships that promote the success of refugee families. The ERSI Specialist will work closely with childcare centers and preschool service providers to advocate for and support caregivers, ensuring that quality practices are implemented and program outcomes are met. This position reports directly to the Education Manager and involves a combination of client services, administration, monitoring, evaluation, and team participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major responsibilities of the Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist include:

• Developing resources and expanding partnerships that promote the success of refugee families through material design and partner engagement.
• Nurturing partnerships with childcare centers and preschool service providers to advocate for and provide support to caregivers.
• Assessing the implementation of quality practices and ensuring program outcomes are met, while maintaining data and reports that indicate such.
• Serving as a focal point in the community for referrals to educational programs and services.
• Designing and implementing programs, activities, workshops, and services that contribute to positive outcomes for refugee families.
• Identifying and connecting with licensed childcare providers and preschools for potential partnerships with IRC.
• Performing outreach and educating caregivers on the benefits of enrolling children in childcare and preschool.
• Liaising between childcare providers, preschool, parents, caseworkers, employment specialists, and other relevant colleagues.
• Conducting intakes with qualified program participants to assess individual or family needs. 1
• Assisting interested caregivers with applications for childcare and financial resources. 1
• Leading and facilitating educational workshops, meetings, and events to promote healthy parenting skills. 1
• Providing follow-up with providers and families to assess the effectiveness of childcare plans. 1
• Conducting pre- and post-assessments of caregivers’ understanding of age-appropriate resources, activities, and childcare options. 1
• Ensuring that required intake documents are fully completed and service plans are updated as appropriate. 1
• Complying with all IRC policies, procedures, and protocols, including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding. 1
• Participating in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned. 1
• Working as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through effective communication and coordination of cases.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in social work, early childhood education, or a related field of study.
• A self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to present information to a varied public.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written; bilingual skills are a plus but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and experience with web-based data entry systems.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
• Strategic, creative problem solver capable of working independently and as part of a team. 1
• Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 1
• A valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation for regular travel throughout the service delivery area.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist position includes a Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for candidates who have studied social work, early childhood education, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of working with refugee families and the early childhood education system.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist position includes a background in social work, early childhood education, or a related field. Candidates should have experience working with diverse populations, particularly refugees, and should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges faced by these families. Experience in program coordination, community outreach, and partnership development is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. While bilingual skills are not required, they are considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term role with an anticipated end date of September 29, 202

• It is not eligible for IRC's full benefits package. However, U.S.-based short-term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) and a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting). Additionally, employees will receive paid sick leave in accordance with policy and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families. The working environment includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. The compensation for this position is set at a pay rate of $23.50 per hour, with ranges based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.