Youth Program Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Youth Program Specialist is responsible for implementing youth-focused programming, providing immigrant youth with tools to successfully adjust and thrive in their new communities. The Youth Program Specialist also assists parents to participate in their children’s school activities and supports schools in identifying resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of eligible students and families. The Youth Program Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client Services:

• Develop and implement youth programming, such as after-school or cultural enrichment activities.

• Coordinate services to refugee children and their parents in partnership with local school systems with a goal of supporting students so they can achieve educational success through regular school attendance and participation in school activities.

• Orient newly arrived families to the American public-school system and family law issues with a goal of increasing interaction between school staff and parents as well as parental participation in classroom activities.

• Conduct assessments of each family’s understanding of the U.S. school attendance and participation requirements and needs for services.

• In consultation with management, advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect and refer to partner agencies as appropriate and work with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing and provision of special education services.

• Improve school personnel’s understanding of refugee families’ cultural and language needs.

• Support student success by encouraging participation in activities such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, programs that encourage high school completion and full participation in school activities, after-school and summer clubs and activities, and college preparation assistance.

Compliance Documentation:

• Monitor and track students’ progress from one grade level to the next.

• Ensure required intake documents are fully completed and service plan updated as appropriate.

Team/Office Participation:

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.

• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.

• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency, placing importance on client confidentiality.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field of study is preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in human services field strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population is desired.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work to accommodate client’s schedules.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.