College and Career Readiness Specialist

Job Overview:

Under the supervision of the College and Career Readiness Coordinator, the College and Career Readiness Specialist (CCR Specialist) is responsible for implementing college and career readiness activities for refugee youth ages 15-19 such as individual one-on-one support for high school graduation and post-secondary education and career access. Additionally, the CCR Specialist coordinates workshops and events for case managed young adults centered on career growth and social-emotional skill development. This position is responsible for maintaining strong community partner relationships with various stakeholders at local high schools, community colleges, universities, and associated agencies. The CCR Specialist will create internal pathways for refugee students to access IRC SLC’s existing educational services including digital inclusion, career coaching, and financial literacy. This position will ensure quality practices are implemented, program outcomes are met, policies/procedures are followed, and reports are completed. The CCR Specialist will participate in the development of new program areas, as needed, to enhance student academic performance, curriculum development, caregiver engagement, and advocacy efforts.

Major Responsibilities:

Coordinate educational programming (workshops, events, tutoring, etc.) centered on gaining knowledge and skills for graduating high school and transitioning to post-secondary opportunities that are in line with participants’ individual academic and career goals.

Supervise interns, volunteers, and CCR Support Staff including hiring, onboarding, and training.

Connect CCR youth participants to external opportunities in the community for academic, social, and career development. I.e., after school programs, summer school, and extracurricular activities.

Assist CCR participants in finding, applying, and gaining employment and/or internships.

Provide educational opportunities for caregivers of CCR participants in understanding the U.S. school system, specifically the requirements for high school graduation and applying for continued education and scholarships.

Support CCR participants in school registration before each school year.

Maintain and develop relationships with school district administrators, high school counselors, and other key community partners to ensure CCR youth participants receive comprehensive support and services.

Coordinate monthly Cultural Orientation programming for newly arrived refugee young adults.

Develop new summer program areas focused on addressing existing gaps in community services for refugee young adults.

Maintain accurate data tracking in Salesforce, Podio, ETO and other databases.

Work with supervisor to produce quarterly, bi-annual, and annual reports and contribute to program design.

Education/Work Experience:

Undergraduate degree in related field; or two years of relevant experience working with youth and young adults from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual ability preferred in any refugee language.
• Must be able to manage time effectively with multiple priorities, as well as be flexible with changing logistics.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Strong computer skills particularly in MS Office applications; experience with databases.
• Must have reliable transportation with valid driver’s license and insurance coverage.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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.