Cultural Orientation and Intake Specialist

IRC Background:  The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC has resettled refugees in New York for over 20 years, providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees.

Job Overview: The Cultural Orientation and Intake Specialist is responsible for implementing and facilitating cultural orientation (CO) workshops for newly arrived refugees and other newcomers, ensuring the CO workshops are of high quality, provide reliable information, and interpreters are assigned as needed. The person in this position will also be responsible for supporting intake for ESL classes by conducting pre and post-tests, compiling students’ data, and supporting database management. The Cultural Orientation and Intake Specialist will also support the planning and implementation of special projects as needed.

Major Responsibilities:

Cultural Orientation

• Complete training in CORE adult learning principles and cultural orientation curriculum.
• Conduct outreach to clients and interpreters to coordinate scheduling cultural orientation dates, times, and logistics.
• Facilitate cultural orientation workshops at least twice weekly on select days using IRC’s curriculum and materials via Zoom and in person as needed.  Attend home visits to facilitate cultural orientation as needed.
• Ensure regular case file documentation and tracking of class attendance, screening outcomes, and referrals.
• Ensure cultural orientation assessments are conducted and tracked.
• Develop and review orientation resources, such as written and language-appropriate orientation aids for participants, as necessary.
• Work closely with staff across departments to coordinate services (job readiness training, school orientation) and gather feedback.
• Empower and equip interns and volunteers to assist in the provision of education in creative and impactful ways.

• Participate in program meetings and staff development activities and fully engage as a member of the team.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.

ESL Enrollments

• Collaborate with colleagues in identifying and implementing appropriate promotional and recruitment plans that effectively increase interest and enrollment in our Adult ESL classes.
• Aid in the monitoring of internal and external referrals.
• Support in student pre- and post-testing using Intercambio and/or Best Plus.
• Monitor client progress and growth.
• Plan and implement ESL open houses and ESL enrollments by appointments
• Compile data, perform data entry, and assemble information for comprehensive records and reporting.
• Support preparation for grants visits and audits.

Special Projects

• Support the development and administration of client surveys for special projects such as the Afghan Women’s workshops and other future projects.
• Monitor and reply to email inquiries or phone calls about upcoming workshops and ensure that communication has been received by the correct parties.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, plus the skills and knowledge typically acquired through two to three years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated teaching ability and experience, preferably in a cross-cultural setting. Adult education certification preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills needed to work effectively with partners and colleagues in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• High level of energy, motivation, and commitment to continuously improve service delivery.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills and strong English writing and communication skills. Bilingual or multilingual abilities preferred; Spanish, Ukrainian, or Farsi is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Best Plus Certification is a plus.
• Experience managing databases.

Working Environment:  

• Willingness to work during class hours. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Standard office work environment, along with some local travel as needed.

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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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.

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 $120 per month, dental starting at $7 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. 

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.

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