United States: Early RSI Specialist

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to forcibly displaced people due to war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 29 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The IRC-Wichita office has been providing services to newly arrived refugees since 2011. The IRC-Wichita office serves refugees and immigrants by providing resettlement and placement, family strengthening services through trauma informed care, economic empowerment, youth and adult education and immigration services provided by a Department of Justice accredited legal representative. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI) Specialist engages in the implementation, coordination, and support of IRC’s early childhood programming in alignment with organizational goals. Program coordination includes conducting program intakes, presenting, and explaining information on childcare options, preschool services, and connecting caregivers to relevant resources. This position will serve caregivers of children ages 0-5. The ERSI Specialist reports directly to the Education Manager.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services: 

• Develop resources and expand partnerships which promote the success of refugee families, through material design and partner engagement.
• Nurture partnerships with childcare centers and preschool service providers to advocate and provide support for the caregivers.
• Assess that quality practices are implemented, and program outcomes are met; maintain data and reports indicating such.
• Serve as a focal point in the community for referrals to educational programs and services.
• Design and implement programs, activities, workshops, and services which directly contribute to positive outcomes for refugee families.
• Identify and connect with licensed childcare providers and preschools who may partner with IRC.
• Perform outreach and educate caregivers on the benefits of enrolling children in childcare and preschool.
• Liaise between childcare providers, preschool, parents, caseworkers, employment specialists, and other relevant colleagues.
• Conduct intakes with qualified program participants to assess the needs of each individual/family.
• Assist interested caregivers with applications for childcare and financial resources (through childcare provider or government assistance).
• Lead and facilitate educational workshops, meetings, and events to promote healthy parenting skills.
• Provide follow-up with providers and families to assess the effectiveness of childcare plans.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct pre- and post-assessments of caregivers’ understanding of age-appropriate resources, activities, and childcare options.
• Ensure required intake documents are fully completed and service plan updated as appropriate.
• Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.

Team/Office Participation: 

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency, placing importance on client confidentiality.

JOB REQUIREMEMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or related field of study is preferred.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail and the proven ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Strong written and oral and interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment, and the ability to present to a varied public.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; Bilingual a plus but not required.
• Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook). Proven experience in web-based data entry systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
• Strategic, creative, problem solver capable of working well independently and as a part of a team.
• Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area for home visits, agency visits, and service provider visits.
• Well organized and enthusiastic about working in a multi-cultural setting.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

How to Apply: 

Please apply on IRCs website: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/46198?c=rescue