Early Learning Specialist

Justice Resource Institute • Acton, MA

15h • $20 - $22

About The Position

Who We Are Looking For: Are you the Early Learning Specialist we’ve been looking for? In this role, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for helping others by supporting our Parent Child+ team! First Connections is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that supports parents in fostering their children’s early language, literacy, and social-emotional development through home visits and community engagement. As an Early Learning Specialist, you will manage a small caseload of families, provide one-on-one home visits, and model early learning activities that help parents prepare their children for school success within our 11-town catchment area. The ideal candidate should reside in the communities we serve or in nearby towns, including Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford. Schedule: This is a part-time position, working up to 8 hours per week. You will receive a minimum of 16 hours of training prior to beginning home visits. Compensation The pay range for this position is $20.00 to $22.00 per hour . The listed range reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to pay for this role at the time of posting the position. The actual compensation an employee is offered may vary based on several factors such as experience, education, licensure, certifications and qualifications. This range may be modified in the future. What You'll Do: Visit assigned families (typically twice per week) to model interactive activities such as reading, playing, and verbal engagement with children. Deliver age-appropriate books and toys for families to keep, and coach parents on how to use them to support development. Model and encourage meaningful parent–child interactions that build vocabulary, literacy, and school readiness. Share information about community services and make referrals as needed. Complete documentation, including assessments (e.g., Ages and Stages Questionnaire), and report on family progress. Participate in outreach events to promote ParentChild+ and help recruit new families. Why JRI? Be who you are! JRI is committed to creating a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity, where every employee is valued and supported in making a meaningful impact. We offer a $2,000 bilingual bonus to new hires who speak a second language other than English! Experience a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy balance between personal and professional life. Thrive in a professional and fulfilling work environment. Take advantage of professional development and self-care opportunities. Receive mileage reimbursement for work-related travel, in accordance with program guidelines. Enjoy the option of having summers off. And much more! Requirements: Must be 21 years or older. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, or related field is preferred. Prior experience working with young children and families is preferred, particularly in areas such as home visiting, early education, or community-based programs. Candidates with lived experience as a parent or guardian of a child are encouraged to apply. Strong interpersonal and motivational skills to build trusting relationships with families. Ability to work respectfully and effectively with families from diverse backgrounds and adapt to different home environments. English proficiency required; bilingual candidates (e.g., Spanish/Portuguese) strongly encouraged to apply! Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently in an unsupervised environment (within households) with potential hazards such as pets, unknown individuals, and unfamiliar entryways with stairs and potential obstacles. Ability to be flexible and adaptable. Computer literacy is preferred. A valid driver’s license is required, along with daily access to a registered and insured vehicle during work hours. Background and driving record checks will be performed. At JRI, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. We believe that a culture built on mutual respect, collaboration, and opportunity allows our staff to thrive and do their best work. By supporting one another and recognizing each person's contributions, we create an environment where people can grow, develop their skills, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. JRI is an equal opportunity employer. #IND123

Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Strong interpersonal and motivational skills to build trusting relationships with families.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with families from diverse backgrounds and adapt to different home environments.
• English proficiency required; bilingual candidates (e.g., Spanish/Portuguese) strongly encouraged to apply!
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in an unsupervised environment (within households) with potential hazards such as pets, unknown individuals, and unfamiliar entryways with stairs and potential obstacles.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• A valid driver’s license is required, along with daily access to a registered and insured vehicle during work hours.
• Background and driving record checks will be performed.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, or related field is preferred.
• Prior experience working with young children and families is preferred, particularly in areas such as home visiting, early education, or community-based programs.
• Candidates with lived experience as a parent or guardian of a child are encouraged to apply.
• Computer literacy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Visit assigned families (typically twice per week) to model interactive activities such as reading, playing, and verbal engagement with children.
• Deliver age-appropriate books and toys for families to keep, and coach parents on how to use them to support development.
• Model and encourage meaningful parent–child interactions that build vocabulary, literacy, and school readiness.
• Share information about community services and make referrals as needed.
• Complete documentation, including assessments (e.g., Ages and Stages Questionnaire), and report on family progress.
• Participate in outreach events to promote ParentChild+ and help recruit new families.

Benefits

• Be who you are! JRI is committed to creating a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity, where every employee is valued and supported in making a meaningful impact.
• We offer a $2,000 bilingual bonus to new hires who speak a second language other than English!
• Experience a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
• Thrive in a professional and fulfilling work environment.
• Take advantage of professional development and self-care opportunities.
• Receive mileage reimbursement for work-related travel, in accordance with program guidelines.
• Enjoy the option of having summers off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree