Sr. Youth Program Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has been dedicated to helping those in need for nearly a century. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The IRC's mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees, the IRC is committed to delivering high-quality services and support to vulnerable populations, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in their new environments.

Job Overview:
The Sr. Youth Program Specialist plays a crucial role in the IRC's Youth and Education Programs, specifically focusing on the needs of school-aged youth from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. This position is centered in Spokane, WA, where the specialist will implement various educational programs aimed at helping these youth catch up on missed education, adjust to new schooling environments, and develop their English language skills. The specialist will be responsible for teaching and coordinating programs such as an afterschool reading club and virtual reading initiatives, which are designed to foster a love of reading while addressing social-emotional learning themes. The role also involves engaging with families to provide resources and support, ensuring that both students and their families are well-equipped to navigate the educational landscape. The specialist will work closely with teachers and school administration to enhance the educational experience for these students, making this position integral to the success of the IRC's mission in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sr. Youth Program Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Program Coordination & Teaching: Planning and coordinating logistics for both in-person and virtual educational programs, including an elementary afterschool reading club and online reading programs. Conducting outreach to parents to enroll students and maintaining necessary paperwork and program data. Coordinating program operations, including managing volunteers and technology setup. Providing direct instruction to multilingual learners and preparing lessons using existing IRC curriculum.
• Family Engagement Events & Workshops: Planning and coordinating family events and workshops focused on school resources, digital literacy, and youth activities. Managing event logistics, conducting outreach, and facilitating workshops or securing guest presenters.
• Individualized Tutoring Program: Supporting the in-home tutoring program by providing direct instruction to families, preparing tailored lesson plans, and maintaining student records. Assisting in the supervision of community tutors to ensure quality instruction.
• Other Youth Programs: Providing support and instruction in other youth programs and events as needed, participating in program meetings, and complying with agency policies. Maintaining accurate and confidential client records and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Sr. Youth Program Specialist position should possess a degree or certification in Education, Teaching, Child/Youth Development, or a related field, or have 2-4 years of relevant experience in teaching, tutoring, or youth development programming. A TESOL certificate is a plus. Candidates should have experience in training and facilitation, be detail-oriented, reliable, and capable of managing complex tasks autonomously. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory, and candidates with professional proficiency in the predominant languages of the local client base (such as Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Ukrainian, etc.) are preferred. Cross-cultural experience and a demonstrated ability to work with multilingual students and families are essential. Candidates should also show a commitment to creating safe learning environments and utilizing trauma-informed practices.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or certification in Education, Teaching, Child/Youth Development, or a related field. Candidates with relevant experience in teaching or youth development programming may also be considered in lieu of formal education. A TESOL certificate is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires 2-4 years of relevant experience in teaching, tutoring, or youth development programming. Candidates should have experience working with multilingual students and families, as well as a demonstrated ability to use various instructional strategies tailored to individual student needs. Experience in training and facilitation is also beneficial, as is cross-cultural experience, particularly with refugee and immigrant communities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both spoken and written. Additionally, candidates who have professional proficiency in the predominant languages of the local client base, such as Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Ukrainian, will be considered favorably. This linguistic capability is essential for effectively communicating with the families and students served by the IRC.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week, with a schedule that ideally includes availability at least three weekdays between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The desired schedule is Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, although alternative schedules may be discussed. The position is limited term, ending on September 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding. Candidates must have access to reliable high-speed internet and transportation for regular travel throughout the Spokane Public School district area. Comfort working in the homes of refugee families is essential. Compensation for this role ranges from $25.00 to $27.00 per hour, based on various factors including labor market conditions and individual candidate experience.