Early Refugee School Impact Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, with the mission to provide lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees who have been forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC operates in more than 40 countries and has 29 regional offices across the United States, focusing on helping refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. Their programs are designed to ensure that refugees thrive in America, which includes ensuring children are enrolled in school, helping adults become self-reliant through employment or entrepreneurship, and providing families with the medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC Wichita office has been assisting refugees since 2011, offering a range of services such as trauma-informed family support, economic empowerment, education for youth and adults, and immigration services. The organization is dedicated to helping 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, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals. This position involves engaging with caregivers of children aged 0-5, conducting program intakes, and providing information on childcare options and preschool services. The ERSI Specialist is responsible for connecting caregivers to relevant resources and advocating for their needs. Reporting directly to the Education Manager, the specialist will work to enhance the educational experiences of refugee families, ensuring that they have access to quality early childhood education and support services. The role requires a proactive approach to program coordination, including outreach to childcare providers and preschools, as well as the design and implementation of workshops and activities that promote positive outcomes for refugee families. The specialist will also be responsible for maintaining data and reports to assess program effectiveness and quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Early Refugee School Impact Specialist include developing resources and expanding partnerships that support the success of refugee families. This involves nurturing relationships with childcare centers and preschool service providers, assessing the implementation of quality practices, and ensuring that program outcomes are met. The specialist will serve as a community focal point for referrals to educational programs and services, design and implement activities and workshops that contribute to positive outcomes, and conduct outreach to educate caregivers on the benefits of enrolling their children in childcare and preschool. Additionally, the specialist will liaise between various stakeholders, conduct intakes with program participants, assist caregivers with applications for childcare and financial resources, lead educational workshops, and provide follow-up with providers and families to assess the effectiveness of childcare plans. Administrative responsibilities include conducting assessments of caregivers’ understanding of resources, ensuring compliance with IRC policies, and participating in team meetings and staff development activities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or a related field of study. Candidates should be self-starters with excellent problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize duties effectively. Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, as the specialist will need to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, along with experience in web-based data entry systems. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. A valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation are also necessary for regular travel throughout the service delivery area.

Educational Background:
Candidates are preferred to have a Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of early childhood development and the specific needs of refugee families.

Experience:
The position requires proven experience in working with children and families, particularly in a social work or educational setting. Experience in early childhood education or related fields is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the challenges faced by refugee families. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse populations and provide culturally competent services.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. While bilingual skills are considered a plus, they are not required. The ability to communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment is essential.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position 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 position is expected to end on September 30, 2027, and offers a compensation rate of $23.50 per hour. Compensation ranges are based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards and policies to ensure a safe and supportive work environment. Benefits for employees in the US include sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.