Early Refugee School Impact Specialist

The Early Refugee School Impact Specialist supports IRC's early childhood programming by coordinating services for refugee families with children ages 0-5. The role involves client service, partnership development, program intake, outreach, and monitoring to promote positive outcomes for refugee families.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

• Early Childhood Education
• Social Work
• Program Coordination
• Client Services
• Partnership Development
• Program Intake
• Outreach Activities
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS Teams
• Microsoft Outlook
• Web-based Data Entry
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Presentation Skills
• Travel Coordination

Languages

English