Parent Educator

IRCO • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Parent Educator works in IRCO’s African Immigrant Parent-Child Development Services (PCDS) program, which supports families with children from birth to age five through kindergarten-readiness activities, developmental screening, referrals and navigation to community resources, and parenting education. The program provides home visits, parent group meetings, parent role modeling, and connections to available resources. The position promotes healthy child development, helps families prepare children for kindergarten, and connects parents and caregivers with primary care providers, schools, and early intervention services. The role works under the guidance of the Director of Early Learning and Assistant Manager of Home Visiting and does not supervise employees, though it may occasionally orient, train, or direct new IRCO employees.

This is an on-call/casual, part-time position based at IRCO Africa House in Portland, Oregon, with a hybrid work setting. The starting wage is $23.84 per hour, depending on experience. The role requires a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and full use of an automobile during work hours; English proficiency and fluency in Somali; and passing a criminal background check with the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent and/or professional training.
• One to two years of experience in early childhood education and/or equivalent early childhood education coursework.
• Proficiency in English and fluency in Somali.
• Oral and written communication skills appropriate to the position.
• Background, experience, or demonstrated connection to working with immigrant and refugee communities, including understanding the cultural values and beliefs of those communities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 software.
• Valid driver's license, verification of current auto insurance, and full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Must pass a criminal background check with the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Ability to meet multiple, potentially conflicting deadlines; maintain confidentiality; communicate with people across the organization and outside it; and work flexible hours to accommodate clients.

Nice To Haves

• Strong communication skills and ability to work 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 deal courteously and effectively with employees, agency representatives, the public, and others.
• Ability to function positively in a demanding environment, demonstrate flexibility, respond to frequently changing priorities and schedules, and meet commitments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct home visits and educate families on supporting children’s social and emotional health and awareness.
• Maintain accurate records of family interactions, assessments, progress notes, and project files, including records in Apricot 360.
• Recruit and engage families for parent education workshops, including providing translation during workshops as needed.
• Assist families with kindergarten enrollment and referrals to and access to Special Education services.
• Help families access available social, health, and educational resources.
• Prepare and host culturally and linguistically specific services for families with children from birth to age five, which may include client intakes, referrals, ESL classes, child-development monitoring, ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 screenings, and home visits.
• Attend PCDS and Early Learning team meetings, monthly check-ins, required collaborative trainings, and assigned partner, community, and agency meetings.
• Complete monthly data and demographic reports for enrolled families.
• Prepare and translate educational materials as needed.
• Facilitate communication among families, health care providers, early intervention services, and schools, including advocating directly for families and their needs.
• Support community outreach and community education related to health and well-being.
• Support early learning events organized by early learning staff.
• Participate in recommended professional development and assigned or required training activities.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements and schedules.
• Three to six weeks of paid time off per year.
• 401(k) match of over 100% on the first 5%, with immediate vesting.
• 3% match for student loans or college savings.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Medical and dental insurance options with 90% coverage for the employee and family, with no deductibles.
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.

What This Job Offers

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