Cultural Orientation Training Specialist

Job Overview: The Cultural Orientation Training Specialist implements the Cultural Orientation (CO) program at the local IRC office. The CO program provides orientation and training to newly-arrived refugees and asylees. This program provides information vital for refugees to successfully navigate available services in their local community. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to be independent and self-sufficient. And finally, it promotes cross-cultural understanding and encourage clients’ positive psychosocial adjustment and functioning.

This position will work with program leads and staff to implement comprehensive and integrated CO programming. They will deliver classes covering safety, health, employment, financial management, transportation, education, and U.S. laws to aid them in their journey toward self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with direct service staff to schedule CO training, disseminate schedule to clients and staff, and secure in-person interpretation.
• Prepare training materials and classroom logistics.
• Deliver or supervise the delivery of all CO classes.
• Supervise and evaluate the effectiveness of existing training curricula through post-training evaluations and built-in classroom assessment techniques.
• Maintain regular communication with direct service staff to ensure that information presented during CO trainings is relevant and accurate.
• Update existing curricula as needed, including classroom materials, student handbooks, and teaching aids.
• Coordinate with other staff across programs who deliver or supervise other complementary training for new clients (i.e. job readiness training, school orientation, etc.).
• Hire, recruit, and train 1-2 interns per semester.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree strongly preferred in education, social work, international development, or related field.
• Experience with the U.S. refugee resettlement strongly preferred.
• Education or employment experience in curriculum development, instructing, or training design, preferably in a multicultural context, strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, interpersonal communication and visual design skills specifically in developing print and visual training materials.
• Experience with computer-based interactive training tools a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills required, including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills in traditional and non-traditional training situations.
• Excellent digital literacy: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and proficient in a graphic design.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in any of the following languages a plus: Dari, Pashto, Spanish, Swahili, or Tigrinya.

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.

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.

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.