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.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Job Overview: The Early Education Specialist supports refugee children to access preschool services and to succeed academically and socially in elementary school. They also 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.  The Early Education Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders through workshops, parent education and case management.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Lead the planning and implementation of IRC’s efforts to maximize accessibility for its clients to early childhood educational opportunities including Head Start, pre-kindergarten, early learning scholarships to enrich childcare opportunities, daycare, afterschool care, VPI and other school and educational opportunities, including application support as needed.

• Connect families with community resources, including early childhood education programs, childcare programs, in-home providers, parenting support, and programs to support children, ages 0-5.

• Provide individualized case management support to students and families, including referrals to internal services and community resources as appropriate. 

• In consultation with management, support parents and caregivers in advocating for students with special needs, including identification, assessment, and access to special education services. 

• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, including case notes, service plans, participant files, and other required records. 

• Ensure program data is consistently collected, entered, and maintained in ETO and other required systems in accordance with IRC standards, donor requirements, and contractual obligations. 

• Monitor and track service delivery to ensure compliance with program requirements and quality standards. 

• Contribute to program monitoring, evaluation, and internal and external reporting efforts. 

• Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with IRC policies, procedures, and contractual requirements. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or related field required, or equivalent work experience.

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 Skills & Competencies:

• 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.

Working Environment: 

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

• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $22.75-$24.20). 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.