Early Childhood Specialist

Job Description

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Early Childhood Specialist serves children ages 0-5 and caregivers through Refugee School Impact and Afghan Support to School Impact programming. Under the direction of the Youth Coordinator, the Early Childhood Specialist assists with program intakes, provides information and guidance on childcare options and preschool, connects caregivers to relevant resources, assists with childcare scholarship applications and provides child development instruction. The Early Childhood Specialist will manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 clients and build out resources on Maryland Head Start and Early Head Start for the program. The IRC in Silver Spring Youth serves around 400 clients annually across programming including Refugee School Impact, Refugee Youth Mentorship, and Afghan Support to School Impact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client Services

• Identify and connect with licensed childcare providers and preschools who may partner with IRC.
• Assist with client applications for programs and opportunities for 0-5 year old children.
• Perform outreach and education to caregivers on the benefits of enrolling children in childcare and preschool.
• Liaise between childcare providers, preschool, parents, caseworkers, employment specialists, and other relevant colleagues.
• Conduct intakes with eligible 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).
• Provide caregivers with learning materials and learning opportunities related to early childhood development.
• Provide follow-up with providers and families to assess the effectiveness of childcare plans.
• Provide case management services as necessary.

Compliance Documentation

• Conduct pre- and post-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.

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.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Youth Coordinator

Position directly supervises: N/A

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or related field of study is preferred. Comparable work experience considered.
• Two years experience preferred.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and the proven ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively;
• Strong written and 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 in Dari, Pashto, Spanish, or other client language is a plus but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc.);
• Enthusiastic about working in a multi-cultural setting.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment;
• Regular travel to off-site locations varies;
• Access to a reliable vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area;
• Occasional need for work outside of traditional business hours.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth and in classroom/education settings.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural setting.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects.
• Energetic, empathetic and ready to manage a variety of tasks.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Adherence to IRC workplace policies.
• Some evening and weekend hours will be required.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a personal, insured vehicle, and the ability to travel within the local service delivery area regularly.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. 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: 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.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.