Parent Educator chez The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Description

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                 Parent Educator

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                 Specialist 1/ Grade 8

WAGE:                                        Starting at $24,300 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC:                        Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                             IRCO PIAFC, 8040 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland OR 97213,

                                                    Hybrid and In-person 2 days a week

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                0.5 FTE; Part-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:      (1)

APPLY AT:                                 www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                     Part-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                          Early Learning

SECTOR:                                    Home Visiting 

REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid driver’s license, have verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours

Bilingual in English and one of the following languages: Ukrainian, Dari, Arabic, Rohingya, Swahili

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The Oregon Refugee Children Assistance Services (ORCAS) Program is a collaborative project with Lutheran Community Services NW and IRCO. Our goal in ORCAS Early Learning is to support refugee families with children ages 0-5 years with kindergarten readiness/activities, developmental screening, referrals/navigation supports to community resources, and parenting education workshops. 

Position Summary
Parent Educators are trusted and trained early childhood professionals. Their services promote healthy child development, support families in preparing young children for kindergarten, and connect parents/caregivers with primary care providers, schools, and early intervention services as needed.

Essential Functions

• Conduct home visits with families and provide education for supporting their child(ren)s’ social emotional health and awareness 
• Maintain accurate records of interactions, assessments, and progress notes 
• Provide recruitment & engagement support for the parent education workshops, including needed translation during the workshops 
• Assist families with kindergarten enrollment, particularly for those not receiving Refugee & Placement (R&P) services 
• Provide referrals and support in accessing Special Education services 
• Assist families getting access to available social, health and educational resources 
• Work to host and prepare community aware and linguistically specific services that meet the needs of targeted communities and families with zero to 5 years old children. This could include client intakes, referrals to needed resources, offering classes for target populations, monitoring child development, conduct ASQ 3 & ASQ SE 2, and home visits. 
• Attend bi-weekly ORCAS team meetings, monthly check-ins, and all required collaborative trainings  
• Complete monthly data and demographic reports for enrolled families 
• Prepare and translate educational materials as needed
• Facilitate communication between the health care system, early intervention, school system, and parents/caregivers including directly advocating for families and their culturally specific needs 
• Attending partner, community and agency meetings as assigned
• Maintain up-to-date records (on paper and share information technology platform; Apricot 360) and files on all families enrolled in the project

Secondary Functions

• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
• Support community outreach and community education regarding health and well-being.    
• Support early learning events as organized by the early learning staff 
• This position works under the guidance of the Director of Early Learning and Assistant Manager of Home Visiting. This position does not supervise any employees. It will however be asked on occasion to train, orient, and direct the work of new employees of IRCO.

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-2 years’ experience in early childhood education and/or ECE coursework equivalent
• Must be proficient in the English language and one of the languages listed 
• Oral and written communication skills commensurate with the needs of the position
• Experience working with multi-background communities
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with strong analytical and problem-solving skills  
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 software

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong communication skills in a multi-background organization
• Strong ability to work with multi-background staff in a team setting
• Ability to use nonstandard procedures and techniques to resolve unusual problems or address management requirements 
• Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities 
• Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, agency representatives, the public, and others 
• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed Positions require some analysis of problems or decision-making ability
• Creativity: Regular need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed
• Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
• Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes.
• Work Independence: Positions at this level work under close supervision, usually function from a clear set of operating processes or procedures, and have work closely reviewed. Little to no judgment and decision-making is required.
• Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities.
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles.  There is little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, including, temperature change
• Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email [email protected]

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.