Early Education Specialist

The Early Education Specialist supports refugee children to access preschool services and to succeed academically and socially in elementary school. They assist parents to participate in their children's school activities and support schools to identify resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of refugee students and families. This role develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders through workshops, parent education and case management.

What You Will Do

Lead the planning and implementation of IRC's efforts to maximize accessibility for clients to early childhood educational opportunities including Head Start, pre-kindergarten, early learning scholarships, daycare, afterschool care, and other school and educational opportunities. Connect families with community resources, including early childhood education programs, childcare programs, in-home providers, parenting support, and programs for children ages 0-5. Provide individualized case management support to students and families, including referrals to internal services and community resources. Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, including case notes, service plans, participant files, and other required records.

Why It Might Be a Fit

This role requires a Bachelor's degree in education, social services, or related field, or equivalent work experience, with relevant work experience in positive childhood development, social-emotional development, youth academic support, or a school-based setting. Prior experience providing support to recently arrived immigrant children and/or parents and families is strongly preferred. The position offers a pay rate of $22.75-$24.20 per hour and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, social services, or related field required, or equivalent work experience
• Relevant work experience in positive childhood development, social-emotional development, youth academic support, or a school-based setting required; minimum of 2 years' experience preferred
• Prior experience providing support to recently arrived immigrant children and/or parents and families strongly preferred
• Demonstrated competency in program planning and implementation skills, including the ability to manage groups of students and to think creatively and strategically
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for accurate data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes
• Valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle

Benefits

• 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
• Vision starting at $5/month
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter)
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families