Early Education Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to helping refugees and displaced persons regain control of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees, the IRC focuses on various sectors including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

Job Overview:
The Early Education Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting refugee children in accessing preschool services and ensuring their academic and social success in elementary school. This position is designed to assist parents in engaging with their children's educational activities and to help schools identify the necessary resources to meet the diverse language and cultural needs of refugee students and their families. The Early Education Specialist is responsible for developing strong relationships with local school systems, students, parents, and other stakeholders through various initiatives such as workshops, parent education, and case management. The role requires a proactive approach to connect families with essential community resources and educational opportunities, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience for refugee children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Early Education Specialist's responsibilities include leading the planning and implementation of IRC’s initiatives to enhance accessibility to early childhood educational opportunities for clients. This includes programs like Head Start, pre-kindergarten, early learning scholarships, daycare, and afterschool care. The specialist will connect families with community resources, provide individualized case management support, and assist parents in advocating for students with special needs. Responsibilities also encompass maintaining accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with program requirements, and contributing to program monitoring and evaluation efforts. The role may involve performing additional duties as assigned, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability in meeting the needs of the program and its participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience. Relevant work experience in positive childhood development, social-emotional development, or youth academic support is required, with a minimum of 2 years preferred. Experience working with recently arrived immigrant children and their families is strongly preferred. The position demands strong program planning and implementation skills, relationship-building abilities, and effective communication in a multicultural environment. Candidates should be self-starters with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent work experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to early childhood education, social work, or community services, which will provide the necessary foundation for supporting refugee children and their families effectively.

Experience:
The position requires relevant work experience in areas such as positive childhood development, social-emotional development, or youth academic support. A minimum of 2 years of experience is preferred, particularly in a school-based setting or with immigrant populations. Candidates should demonstrate a history of providing support to children and families, particularly those who are newly arrived immigrants, showcasing their ability to navigate the challenges faced by these communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the client group is highly desired, as it will enhance communication and support for refugee families. This linguistic capability is crucial for building trust and effectively addressing the needs of diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. The expected end date for this position is September 30, 202

• The compensation for this role ranges from $22.75 to $24.20 per hour, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The working environment includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area, with occasional weekend and evening work required. The IRC is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and adheres to strict professional standards.