Cultural Orientation Coordinator

Job Overview:

From March 2022 – March 2023, the International Rescue Committee launched and implemented a first-of-its-kind service model for the resettlement of 556 Afghan Humanitarian Parolees (AHPs) who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome. Via a comprehensive and personalized virtual case management model, the Virtual Afghan Placement and Assistance (VAPA) program provided per capita direct assistance, client-led case management, and resources and referrals for the successful resettlement of these new arrivals. Building off of this award-winning program, the IRC now implements the Virtual Reception & Placement (VR&P) program for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, the Virtual Resettlement Line for humanitarian parolees, and the Welcome Corps Support Line for private sponsor groups welcoming newcomers through the Welcome Corps.

Using the model developed during VAPA and further advanced for the current iteration of the VR&P program, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) aims to meet the ambitious goal of receiving and resettling up to 10,000 individuals in FY24 from the Western Hemisphere and Operation Enduring Welcome platforms. This project will include coordinating steps overseas, partnering with a variety of stakeholders across the United States, and effectively establishing relationships in a virtual setting.

The remote and pioneering nature of this project requires a detail-oriented and innovative Cultural Orientation Coordinator with experience in the provision of Cultural Orientation for adult newcomers.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide group adjustment training to IRC’s VR&P clients using adult learning methods and active engagement principles. This includes managing training logistics, scheduling interpreters and facilitating trainings.
• Track client participation and document client progress to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Implement assessment protocols for all adjustment trainings and evaluate client learning to ensure attain learning goals.
• Communicate regularly with the VR&P Team through weekly team meetings to coordinate the provision of adjustment training services.
• Develop strategies to incorporate adult learning principles into all IRC programs and departments.
• Collaborate with the VR&P team to maintain and distribute language specific and culturally appropriate materials and community resources to all clients.
• In compliance with contract and agency requirements, and under the direction of the Cultural Orientation Manager, develop curricula for a standing orientation process for new arrivals along with expanding orientation programing for new arrivals clients.
• Establish written and language appropriate orientation aids for participants.
• Arrange guest speakers (i.e., law enforcement, CPS, etc.) as well as additional assistance and community connections for cultural orientation and adaptations for new arrival clients.
• Develop systems to incorporate all IRC’s services into the orientation process to ensure new arrivals understand the depth of programming available to them.
• Expand partnerships with community service providers, volunteer organizations, ethnic community organizations, ELT programs, and other adult education programs to enhance the cultural orientation and connected integration of new arrival refugees and asylees.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent directly related experience required.

Work Experience:

• 2 years’ experience working with refugees and newcomer populations.
• At least 1 year of experience providing Cultural Orientation to newcomer populations.
• Experience developing adult learner materials, preferrably for newcomer populations.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, work independently, detail-oriented, and effectively manage time to meet key deadlines and objectives.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and tools to develop Cultural Orientation curricula for adults.
• Experience developing virtual learning materials for adult learners a plus.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving.

Working Environment***:***

• Fully remote.

Compensation: 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.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

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: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.