Early Refugee School Impact Specialist

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from 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. Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America--whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. IRC Wichita has been assisting refugees since 2011. The Wichita office offers a range of services including trauma-informed family support, economic empowerment, education for youth and adults, and immigration services. 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 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.

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.

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.

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 $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, 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.