Early Refugee School Impact Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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 that 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 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, preschools, 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 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 REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or a 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, 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 and client-centered 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.

This position is expected to end on September 30, 2027.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $23.50/hr). 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. 

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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