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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, and on-going resettlement efforts throughout the state and across the U.S. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities.

Are you a thoughtful and inclusive team player who engages easily with multicultural teams and communities? Then we are looking for you.

You enjoy evaluating, implementing, and coordinating all professional development and training, wellness and safety programs, and compliance with HR policies and processes. professional development and training, wellness and safety programs, and compliance with HR policies.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our human resources department and fostering a best-in-class people-centric culture. You’ll partner with leadership on HR strategies, oversee talent management, champion DEIB initiatives, and foster HR strategies that attract, retain, and develop top talent, ensuring a positive and productive work environment that aligns with our mission.

Are you engaging easily with multicultural teams and communities?

This position provides a unique professional opportunity for a human resources professional to engage with and support a team dedicated to serving our refugee and immigrant clients.

Primary Responsibilities:

HR Policy & Recruitment Process

• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and procedures that align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values with advice from leadership on legal compliance.
• Develop strategies to identify talent; establish and conduct equitable and inclusive recruitment and hiring processes for all employees.
• Manage and conduct general organizational onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Manage and conduct off-boarding of staff, including exit interviews; analyze data to surface potential cultural issues or other staff concerns; make recommendations to the Executive Team for continuous improvement.
• Oversee the entire recruitment process, including developing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and overseeing the onboarding
• Train managers on effective recruiting, interviewing, performance management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) practices.

Employee Relations:

• Provide support and guidance to management and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise.
• Oversee employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Maintain a positive and productive work environment by addressing employee concerns, investigating complaints, and serving as an ombudsperson between staff and management. Collaborate with legal counsel and Directors on employee relations matters.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB):

• In consultation with IRIS staff and management, develop and implement programs that promote a culture of belonging and respect
• Support structured discussions and training that deepen understanding of DEIB principles  
• Coordinate integration of DEIB across all departments and processes.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Collaborate with leadership on employee compensation and benefits programs. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage all HR administration, including benefits programs; manage relationships with benefit brokers, coordinate annual Open Enrollment, and address employee benefits questions; propose additional benefit options pertinent to the organization’s workforce in partnership with the Director of Operation and Finance.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyze HR data to identify trends and recommend solutions to improve performance, retention, and employee experience. Prepare Board items related to employment

Compliance:

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommend best practices, review policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Provide management and/or staff training on new policies and procedures when necessary.

Employee Engagement:

• Help develop and implement programming that creates a culture of belonging.
• Organize training and events to boost employees’ communication abilities and team spirit.
• Serve as an advocate and partner for all staff to retain, develop, and motivate people to achieve their fullest potential.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually with an open-minded approach to HR solutions
• Openness to a multi-faceted range of viewpoints; ability to engage with tough questions in a thoughtful, respectful, and confidential manner.
• Ability to engender trust and respect.
• Adaptable team player with the ability to engage various constituencies in a complex environment
• Working knowledge of the state of Connecticut and federal laws and regulations affecting employer practices and compliance requirements; specific knowledge of requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations preferred
• Experience in revising or developing new HR policies and procedures to center DEIB and meet changing organizational needs.
• Ability to deal with conflict effectively, and to manage difficult situations confidently and calmly; demonstrated ability to coach and counsel both executive-level management and employees
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English required; other language proficiencies desired.

Education & Experience:

• A combination of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Master’s Degree is a plus.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in all aspects of human resources administration. Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
• SHRM or PHR certification a plus.
• Candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply

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IRIS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, strengthen hope, dare to dream, and contribute to the vitality of communities in Connecticut and across the country. We also provide support to Americans who are sponsoring refugees for resettlement.  

In welcoming peoples fleeing persecution and conflict, we are honoring our national heritage as a country of immigrants as well as our commitments under U.S. and international law.  IRIS helps newcomers with services and support critical to their transition to self-sufficiency and to making local communities across the U.S. their home.

Job Summary & General Responsibilities: 

IRIS’s Legal Department: IRIS offers legal services, among its other services. IRIS’s Legal

Department provides representation to: 1) refugees and asylees applying for lawful permanent

residence, naturalization, and reunification with family members; 2) immigrants in removal proceedings; 3) Afghan residents of CT who filed applications for humanitarian parole on behalf of family in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021; 4) Afghans who were evacuated from Afghanistan after the takeover and resettled by IRIS in the New Haven and Hartford areas; and 5) Ukrainians, Cubans, and Haitians who entered the US as parolees through humanitarian sponsorship programs. under the Uniting for Ukraine program as humanitarian parolees. The Legal Department currently consists of seven attorneys, three paralegals, and additional support staff.

Description of Ukrainian Program USCIS Forms Specialist: IRIS is looking for an individual to assist Cuban and Haitian parolees to submit applications for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) to USCIS. IRIS assists a growing number of Cuban and Haitian parolees living in Connecticut. These immigrants were sponsored by relatives living in the U.S., and were permitted to enter the U.S. as “humanitarian parolees,” meaning they were given permission to live for a temporary period in the U.S., typically for two years. In order to work lawfully during their stay, parolees must apply for an Employment Authorization Document. IRIS’s Cuban/Haitian EAD Specialist will assist newly arrived

parolees to apply for work authorization. Additionally, the Specialist will educate Cuban and Haitian parolees about the steps they must take to maintain and/or renew their parole status and/or obtain

permanent status in the United States. The EAD Specialist will organize and prioritize requests for assistance with employment authorization; complete and submit I-765s with the required evidence; consult with Cuban and Haitian parolees about parole maintenance and pathways to permanent status; and stay abreast of changes and developments related to these pathways and their related work authorization. The Specialist will track communications to and from USCIS relating to each submission. The Specialist’s work will be supervised by a licensed attorney.

The Cuban/Haitian EAD Specialist & Immigration Pathways Educator must have familiarity with the Haitian community. Fluency in Haitian Creole and working proficiency in English are required. The Specialist should be able to work out of the New Haven office. He or she will report to the Director of the Legal Department and work closely with the Manager of Humanitarian Sponsorship.

This position is grant-funded. Grants typically fund for a period of one year. Extension grant- funded employment is subject to the availability of funds.

In submitting an application for employment, the applicant grants IRIS permission to check   references as well as question anyone who might be familiar with the candidate’s job performance.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have fluency Haitian Creole, and proficiency in English 
• Relevant experience submitting forms to USCIS
• Keen attention to detail
• Strong writing, communication and organizational skills
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to the mission of IRIS and awareness and sensitivity to multicultural issues
• Lived experience desired

Reports to: Director of the Legal Department

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency in New Haven CT. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities. While IRIS has traditionally focused on helping refugees, it is increasingly serving a more diverse immigrant population.

IRIS is looking for a full-time Healthcare Coordinator for the Hartford Office who will help newly arriving clients access healthcare and learn to navigate the American healthcare system independently.

General Description:
IRIS must ensure that all newly arriving refugees receive a medical exam within 90 days of arrival and access follow up care as needed notably including immunizations, women’s health and dental. The Health Coordinator is primarily responsible for ensuring that new arrivals are connected to local health care providers and learn to navigate the healthcare system independently. The Healthcare Coordinator coordinates care with various local providers including the Community Healthcare Center, Family Medical Center, UCONN Health and others. The  HC will also support clients with emergency medical needs and other significant needs that continue beyond the initial resettlement period. 

The Healthcare Coordinator advocates on behalf of clients and engages with the local medical community on issues related to refugee and immigrant health and health care. As IRIS works increasingly with new populations, we will aim to integrate services for these populations into existing work. It is planned that the  Healthcare Coordinator will also support vaccination education and outreach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
Coordinate healthcare for newly-arrived refugees

• Arrange for refugees and parolees to receive a Refugee Health Assessment (RHA) within 90 days of arrival.
• Schedule RHA and pre-screening appointments and request medical interpreters, as needed.
• Facilitate clinic physicians’ access to overseas medical exam forms when available

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc., www.irisct.org), is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency based in Connecticut, working in the New England Region and nationally, with a main office in New Haven and a satellite office in Hartford. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, enriching their new communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Afghanistan, DR Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria. IRIS has an opening for the full-time position of Information Technology Coordinator.

General Description:
The Information Technology Coordinator assists with overseeing all core technology requirements and systems for the organization. This includes maintaining servers, desktop and laptop computers, printers, network, hardware and software systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:
Work with IT Manager to…
a. Assist with all technology operations (e.g. network security) and evaluate them according to established goals.
b. Provide computer and technology support to the organization (both on-site and remotely)
c. New user systems set-up and assistance with user training on PC Applications

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, and on-going resettlement efforts throughout the state and across the U.S. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities.

Job Summary & General Responsibilities: 

IRIS’s Legal Department: IRIS offers legal services, among its other services. IRIS’s Legal

Department provides representation to: 1) refugees and asylees applying for lawful permanent

residence, naturalization, and reunification with family members; 2) immigrants in removal proceedings 3) Afghan residents of CT who filed applications for humanitarian parole on behalf of family in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021; 4) Afghans who were evacuated from Afghanistan after the takeover and resettled by IRIS in the New Haven and Hartford areas; and 5) Ukrainians, Cubans, and Haitians who entered the US as parolees through humanitarian sponsorship programs. The Legal Department currently consists of six attorneys, each of whom covers one or more of the practice areas listed above; three paralegals; and additional support staff. 

This position is grant-funded. Grants typically fund for a period of one year. Extension grant-funded employment is subject to the availability of funds.

The Paralegal’s Role: The Paralegal assists each of the attorneys, and his/her responsibilities will vary by practice area. Examples of the kinds of tasks each practice area requires are provided below. For our refugee and asylee clients filing for green cards, citizenship, and family petitions, the Paralegal will assist the attorney by calling clients to schedule meetings, preparing applications in advance of meetings, copying and filing clients’ documents, completing other USCIS forms (e.g. applications for travel documents, employment authorization, humanitarian parole, certificates of naturalization), facilitating immigrant visa processing, and doing case-specific research to support asylum cases. For asylum applicants (now mostly Afghans), the Paralegal will assist the attorney by communicating with clients, working with clients to fill out the biographical information needed on the asylum applications, researching country conditions for clients whose cases we take, compiling documents for submission to USCIS, and arranging for interpreters. For clients facing deportation, the Paralegal will assist the attorney by conducting intakes with potential clients and filling out the attendant intake forms, coordinating with peer legal services organizations on a shared removal defense project, providing ongoing case support, and handling filings in Immigration Court.

In submitting an application for employment, the applicant grants IRIS permission to check   references as well as question anyone who might be familiar with the candidate’s job performance.

Specific Duties:

1. Interpreting/translating where able, or arranging for interpretation assistance from others proficient in whichever language is needed.
2. Supervising the work of interns on the occasions that they volunteer with us, assigning them work and directing them in their tasks.
3. Organizing and managing the department’s electronic and hard-copy files and organizing our physical space.

Requirements | Candidates must have:

1. Candidates who are fluent in languages beyond English (speaking, reading and writing) are strongly preferred; languages most often used in the course of work are Spanish, French, Arabic, Swahili, Pashto, and Dari. 
2. Candidates must have relevant experience or educational background (having already worked with immigrants and handled filings in Immigration Court will be deemed a plus)
3. Strong writing, communication and organizational skills.
4. Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
5. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to the mission of IRIS and awareness and sensitivity to multicultural issues. 
6. Lived experience desired

Reports to: Director of Legal Services.

MORE

IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, and on-going resettlement efforts throughout the state and across the US. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Senior Director of Finance reports to the Executive Director, this position leads the Finance team with responsibility for financial strategy and planning, financial operations, budget and audit management, financial reporting and analysis, grants administration, organizational compliance with internal controls, and provides critical support on budgeting and financial forecasting. This position also leads the annual GAAP audits, IRS Form 990, and other tax filings. Working closely with all departmental leaders, the Senior Director, of Finance is a mentor, trouble-shooter, and service provider in finance and accounting procedure, process improvement, and budget management. This is a unique professional opportunity for a finance leader to stabilize and strengthen the internal functions of a rapidly growing and well-respected organization that supports the resettlement of immigrants and refugees in Connecticut and across the U.S.

The successful candidate will be an expert in nonprofit financial management, is meticulously attentive, is an excellent collaborator and aligns strongly with our organizational mission. This role plays a critical part in the organization’s strategic decision-making process as it continues to enhance its quality programming. This position will be reporting to the Executive Director (ED) and is part of the senior leadership team.

This position provides a unique professional opportunity for a finance leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

CORE FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee and direct budgeting & accounting functions, including: grant accounting & fiscal compliance, payroll, accounts payable, cash management, and investments.
• Act as Fiscal Officer for organization, setting and adhering to the strategic plan, organizational goals, and the mission and values of IRIS.
• Lead the annual and long-term budgeting process in collaboration with the ED and other members of the senior leadership team by providing strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections.
• Lead and direct the finance department, a team of under 10 staff.
• Working closely with the Executive Director, translate complex financial data into compelling narratives, creating executive presentations that provide clear insights with recommendations and guide strategic decisions.
• Manage financial risk and lead the effort to identify process improvements and cost savings within the organization.
• Report organization & financial position and issue periodic reports on organization & financial stability, liquidity, and growth internally and externally including to the Board of Directors
• Manage and direct final approvals for all accounting; budgeting, grant reporting, payroll, and cash management
• Facilitate compliance with federal and state financial management guidelines. Provide guidance to programmatic leadership to adhere to these regulations
• Leads in following finance policy guidelines, and provides leadership during annual policy review
• Leads as Project Manager for financial system implementation, and represents highest level for any system decisions that have downstream impact in finance and financial reporting.
• Hybrid position with in-office presence at a minimum of three (3) days a week to foster employer culture, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in finance, Accounting, Economics; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of finance leadership & management experience; including some nonprofit finance and accounting experience.
• Openly supports departmental and organizational changes and demonstrates comfort working in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Experience with federal and state grant management and regulations
• Technical proficiencies: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, with CRM & financial software experience, Sage Intacct a bonus
• Proven track record in system implementation, serving as project leader for departmental initiatives.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on complex projects with urgent deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written with the ability to present at all levels.
• Ability to manage effectively and collaborate at a disbursed organization and a hybrid work environment.
• Possess good judgment and a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Passion for working with the immigrant and refugee population.
• Lived experience desired

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Welcome Team Coordinator (Full-time)

IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, and on-going resettlement efforts throughout the state and across the US. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities.

The Welcome Team Coordinator is a new role that will be an integral part of the Community Engagement Department, serving to recruit, train, place and manage volunteer Welcome Teams to assist resettlement efforts. 

The function of Welcome Teams is to assist newly arrived clients in achieving self-sufficiency, be aware of newly arrived clients’ goals and help them achieve these goals as delegated by the resettlement team, and IRIS Case Managers by organizing and managing existing and new volunteers into small teams to provide a wide range of services to newly arriving refugee families. In this capacity, the Welcome Team Coordinator will serve as a liaison between IRIS Community Engagement Department and the IRIS Case Management Department.

This is, in part, a new program and so the Welcome Team Coordinator would initially be involved with all aspects relating to the development working with staff to understand the needs and opportunities; establishing procedures and policies; developing appropriate training and; in collaboration with IRIS monitoring and compliance team, developing appropriate monitoring and evaluations systems. The Welcome Team Coordinator would then implement the program, developing outreach plans to recruit teams, and training them to work directly with individual newly arrived refugee families. The Welcome Team Coordinator will also incorporate and build on components of the training and systems already in place for that program.

Major Responsibilities:

Development of Program

In cooperation with Community Engagement and Resettlement Departments,  the Welcome Team Coordinator will establish formal policies and procedures to support the program. This would include a series of staff interviews to solicit input, the establishment of monitoring and evaluation systems, the establishment of forms and guidelines, the development of monitoring and evaluations systems,  the creation of training materials, the development of associated outreach materials (slide sets, fliers, etc.) and the establishment of clear communication mechanisms that are efficient and fit for purpose.

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. (www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, and on-going resettlement efforts throughout the state and across the US. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities.

Operating within the Wellness team and the parameters of specific grants (Refugee Health Promotion, Preferred Communities, SMART Wellness) the Wellness Coordinator leads IRIS’ efforts to provide psycho-social programming, fostering supportive environments where clients can share experiences, learn from others, and develop skills to overcome resettlement challenges. The Wellness Coordinator works in tandem with case managers, supportive therapist, garden coordinator, and within a larger case management team. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include: 

• Coordinate refugee health promotion activities for all ORR clients
• Facilitate health literacy classes, wellness series, and workshops in collaboration with staff and community partners
• Provide comprehensive language interpretation and translation services for all activities
• Ensure consistent tracking of attendance and conduct pre- and post-event surveys 
• Complete timely submission of all data and case notes entries into ClientTrack
• Ensure that program offerings are highly accessible and meticulously aligned with client preferences, interests, and organizational objectives
• Coordinate weekly sewing group for women, catering to both beginners and advanced participants (no prior experience in sewing necessary)
• Solicit and collect donated sewing machines, maintain an organized inventory
• Distribute sewing machines to clients along with fabric and other resources
• Ensure prompt repair and servicing of sewing machines for the sewing group and for distribution
• Coordinate and design an annual craft fair held from late November to early December, overseeing vendor recruitment and managing logistics in partnership with community collaborators
• Develop and facilitate other programs as opportunities arise (depending on client interest, community partner and volunteer offerings, etc.)
• Provide timely program updates and input towards grant reporting
• Manage, organize, and upkeep the wellness donation area
• Participate in regular Wellness team meetings
• Other related tasks as assigned by the Intensive Case Management & Wellness Manager or Director of Resettlement Services

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• at least 1 year of experience providing social services, or health programming, or group work
• experience in culturally sensitive approach to service delivery
• compassionate and empathetic approach to working with immigrants
• clear ability to convey information positively and in a timely manner
• strong organizational skills, including ability to maintain communication and manage multiple programs
• ability to balance client-facing work and administrative responsibilities
• ability to set boundaries with clients and enforce strict policies
• fluency in spoken and written English
• proficiency with google workspace and canvas
• US driver’s license, good driving record, and willingness to drive clients when needed

Ideal applicant will have:

• experience working with immigrant populations 
• strong understanding of the refugee resettlement process
• experience running wellness groups
• Live experience desired   

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, CT. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities. While IRIS has traditionally focused on helping refugees, it is increasingly serving our undocumented neighbors and other
immigrants as well.

IRIS is looking to hire a caring assistant to work alongside the Family Literacy Lead Teacher with the young children and mothers enrolled in the Wilson Library Family Literacy Program, which is held at the Wilson Library, 303 Washington Avenue, New Haven. This program is a collaboration between IRIS, New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center, and the Collective for Refugee and Immigrant Women’s Wellbeing (CRIW). This is a 7 hours/week, part-time position.

General Description
The Wilson Library Family Literacy Program serves to provide refugee women with quality
English instruction and free childcare for their children. There are four aims of the program:

1. To provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugee women to study and learn English in order to build self sufficiency and create pathways to success for themselves and their families.
2. Provide a positive early education experience for young children that will help them to develop and grow.
3. Provide parent education programming that is reflective of the direct needs of the parents in the program.

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IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Inc. www.irisct.org) is a dynamic refugee resettlement agency with offices in New Haven and Hartford, CT. IRIS serves people from all over the world who have fled persecution in their home countries to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new communities. While IRIS has traditionally focused on helping refugees, it is increasingly serving our undocumented neighbors and other
immigrants as well.

IRIS is looking to hire an experienced and caring teacher to work with the young children and mothers enrolled in the Wilson Library Family Literacy Program, which is held at the Wilson Library, 303 Washington Avenue, New Haven. This program is a collaboration between IRIS, New Haven Adult & Continuing Education Center, and the Collective for Refugee and Immigrant Women’s Wellbeing (CRIW). This is a 15 hours/week, part-time position.

General Description
The Wilson Library Family Literacy Program serves to provide refugee women with quality
English instruction and free childcare for their children. There are four aims of the program:

1. To provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugee women to study and learn English in order to build self sufficiency and create pathways to success for themselves and their families.
2. Provide a positive early education experience for young children that will help them to develop and grow.
3. Provide parent education programming that is reflective of the direct needs of the parents in the program.

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