Early Education Specialist

Requisition ID: req37786

Job Title: Early Education Specialist

Sector: Education

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Charlottesville, VA USA

Job Description

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.

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 enriched childcare opportunities, and other school and educational opportunities.
• Build and maintain good relationships with school personnel and community partners working to promote and implement early childhood programming. 
• Lead enrichment opportunities for students and parents including school orientations, educational workshops, and social-emotional asset development.
• Orient newly arrived families to the American public school system and family law issues with a goal of increasing interaction between school staff and parents as well as parental participation in school activities.
• Provide individualized case management support to students and families and refer to services and community resources as needed.
• In consultation with management, advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect and refer to partner agencies as appropriate.
• In consultation with management, work with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing and provision of special education services.
• Improve school personnel’s understanding of refugee families’ cultural and language needs.
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all donor reporting requirements, including required intake documents and service plan, database management, case notes, and file maintenance.
• 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, and ensuring participant safety in a school-based setting required; minimum of 2 years’ experience preferred. 
• Prior experience providing individualized support to recently arrived immigrant children and/or youth 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, access to a personal, insured vehicle, and capacity to drive clients to scheduled appointments as needed.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.