Education Specialist

Refugee Dream Center (RDC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization engaged in the reception, placement, and post-resettlement of refugees. Our approach is based on offering direct services to refugees and gap-filling to ensure self-sufficiency. RDC is also a strong advocacy agency for the rights of refugees.

Refugee Dream Center is a common venue for community engagement and cultural exchange, and it is a home away from home for refugees. It is a place for caring, self-help, healing, personal and professional development, and a venue for empowerment, strengths cultivation, and accompaniment toward success.

Position Assignment Objectives & Staff Role

Goal of the Position: TheEducation Specialist engages in teaching of refugee and immigrant adults at Refugee Dream Center. The Education Specialist also works directly under the guidance and supervision of the Programs Manager, in partnership with volunteers, mentors, and other staff to ensure optimum service delivery for clients. The goal includes the objectives below, as well as any other tasks assigned by the Programs Manager of the Education & Employment department, Sanjana Nair.

• Objectives (ESOL):

Provide English language instruction integrated with digital literacy, financial literacy, citizenship, workforce readiness training, and wraparound support services to enable participants to pursue stable employment and educational advancement

Activities & Services:

Objective 1:

Activity 1: ESOL Class

Services: ESOL Training, Student Recruitment, Direct Referrals (GC), Direct Referrals (LISC), Reverse Referrals (GC), Reverse Referrals (LISC),

• LACES User Group Meetings
• Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) instruction & testing compliance
• Data Dashboard Meetings and Mentoring
• Outreach to clients

Activity 2: Financial Literacy Class

Services: Financial Literacy Training, Student Recruitment, Internal Referrals

• Instruction refinement and delivery
• Collaborations with banks and other financial institutions
• Outreach to clients
• Financial advising

Activity 3: Digital Skills Adaptation Support

Services: Basic Computer Literacy Training, Digital Literacy Training, Typing Motor Skills

• Curriculum delivery
• Creating multilingual instruction packets
• Outreach to clients
• Overseeing electronic lending library
• Maintaining devices

Activity 4: Citizenship Class

Services: USCIS Citizenship Interview Training

• Volunteer coordination
• Follow-up on citizenship pathway
• American history & literacy instruction

Activity 5: Women’s Intercultural Group

Services: ESOL Literacy Skills-Based Training, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Handy Craft Training, Sociocultural Training

• Conducting workshops on psychosocial health
• Social adjustment & mentorship
• Arts education & a language in action model of instruction
• Foundational entrepreneurship instruction & assistance
• Facilitating collaborations with practicing artists & designers
• Facilitating partnerships with arts & community organizations
• Conducting exhibitions

Activity 6: Men’s Intercultural Group

Services: ESOL Literacy Skills-Based Training, Entrepreneurship, Social & Emotional Training, Sociocultural Training

• Conducting workshops on psychosocial health
• Social adjustment & mentorship
• Facilitating a language in action model of instruction
• Refinement of a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum
• Collaborating & partnering with relevant organizations for seminars

Activity 7: Workforce Readiness Training

Services: Job Readiness Training, Interview Preparation, Sociocultural Training

• Individual employment plan development & resume building
• Career counseling & interest assessment
• Job readiness training (work culture understanding, personal hygiene, timeliness, finances, respect for authority, interpersonal relationships, work performance responsibility, rights and responsibilities, importance of maintaining jobs)
• Personalized job search assistance
• Job interview training

Activity 8: Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Meeting with State Refugee Coordinator (DHS) - ORR
• Meeting with Programming Services Officer (DHS) - RI Works
• Meeting with other partners and funders

Objective 2:

Activity: Data Management

Services: Capturing Data, AccurateEntry & Cross Departmental Coordination

• Capturing photos and videos of services
• Recording testimonials from clients post service
• Timely entries into Google Drive, Salesforce, & other reporting platforms
• Coordination with Employment Specialist & volunteer instructors for up-to-date figures

Skills & Qualifications

Applicants should have the following skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s, master’s degree and/or relevant experience in the field
• Possess an understanding of refugee resettlement, immigrants, and asylum seekers/asylees
• Possesses excellent writing, public relations, and speaking skills
• Ability to communicate and model the Refugee Dream Center’s mission, values, and priorities to staff and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and with teams, with great interpersonal skills, and to build core leadership structures among team members
• Be able to work with groups of people at varying levels and positions, and diverse backgrounds
• Possesses problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly assess issues and develop new strategies
• Be proficient with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides), as well as standard office equipment and related software tools
• Able to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus while dealing with interruptions
• Be creative, innovative, and able to take initiative
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office setting. On occasions, work may be conducted outside the office for activities within the community. There may be occasional travel for home visits, meetings, and workshops. Driving is required.

Supervision

The Education Specialist reports directly to the Program Manager with additional supervision by the Executive Director.

Application Process:

Refugee Dream Center participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $25.00 - $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $26