Educational Specialist

IRC Background:  Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 28 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The IRC has been resettling refugees in Sacramento, California, for over 30 years, providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles over 1,000 refugees per year and provides numerous supplemental programs to assist refugees and IRC clients from their arrival and beyond.

Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Early Employment Coordinator, the Education Specialist will work with the Economic Empowerment Team through an integrated approach to help refugees learn new concepts, adapt to US Workforce norms and expectations, and thrive financially in the U.S. This role will be responsible for coordinating classes such as Job Readiness, Advanced Work Readiness, Financial Literacy, Vocational ESL, and Supplementary workshops. The Specialist will oversee a team of volunteers and interns to support implementing specific programs and working with clients to build essential skills and increase financial capabilities, while tracking progress towards outcomes and working collaboratively with other staff.

Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Work Readiness and English Education

• Implement and conduct vocational training courses that include ESL, cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions;
• Keep accurate attendance records and client pre- and post-assessments, including ETO data entry and PEST forms.
• Recruit, train and supervise volunteers from specific sectors (such as retail sales, maintenance, hospitality, light manufacturing and food service) to conduct mentoring sessions with clients;
• Oversee volunteers and interns of Vocational ESL teachers and VESL curriculum, as well as class operations.
• Use ETO and any other funder required databases to track client services, outcomes, and metrics.
• Participate in all-staff/ program meetings.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  Early Employment Coordinator 
Position directly supervises:  Interns and volunteers.

Indirect Reporting:  Early Employment Supervisor and Manager
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

 Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Teaching, Finance, Business or an equivalent field of study preferred. 
• Demonstrated relevant work experience in teaching multi-cultural populations on relevant topics.
• Prior experience providing direct service to underserved or refugee populations preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with an array of workforce and financial topics, including job readiness training and financial capabilities curriculums
• Previous multi-cultural experience and demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds strongly preferred.
• Thorough knowledge and comfort coaching others in workplace norms and processes; financial education including creating a budget, banking, and establishing credit.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Extensive experience in presenting, teaching, and leading training workshops
• Excellent computer skills, particularly Word and Excel required. Prior experience using data and fiscal tracking systems strongly preferred.
• Attention to detail and ability to efficiently and accurately organize, track, and communicate large amounts of information which impact multiple staff and departments.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration across all IRC programs.
• Highly motivated with an ability to work independently, develop new classes and programming, and be a self-starter, maintaining responsibility for multiple tasks.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.
• Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

Salary Range: $24-26.30 hourly

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. 

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