Youth Mentoring Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing assistance to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States, the IRC employs a diverse workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that help millions of people regain control of their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC's mission is to be a force for humanity, and its employees are driven by a passion for positive change, making a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.

Job Overview:
The Youth Mentoring Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting clients within the IRC’s Mentoring Youth in Virginia (MYVA) program. This program is designed to assist youth aged 15 to 24 in achieving their academic, vocational, and social integration goals. The MYVA program emphasizes positive civic and social engagement while facilitating educational and vocational advancement for eligible participants. Youth are selected for mentorship based on an initial assessment of their needs and goals, and they are paired with trained volunteer adult mentors for a minimum duration of six months. The specialist will provide one-on-one coaching, case management, and facilitate group workshops and enrichment opportunities to ensure that participants can effectively navigate their educational and career paths. The role requires a proactive approach to mentoring and community engagement, ensuring that youth are equipped with the necessary skills and support to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Mentoring Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: receiving referrals from both internal and external partners; screening, interviewing, and enrolling potential clients into the MYVA program based on established criteria; providing case management and individualized education and career coaching services to enrolled youth; planning and implementing regular group social and networking events, cultural enrichment activities, and community service initiatives; designing and leading career readiness workshops covering essential topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and job shadowing; collaborating with the Economic Empowerment team to build and maintain partnerships with employers and workforce development organizations; recruiting, training, and coaching volunteer mentors; matching mentors with mentees and maintaining ongoing communication to support their progress; designing workshops to guide youth on college readiness and post-secondary opportunities; maintaining accurate records of all enrolled clients to meet reporting requirements; assisting youth in other IRC Virginia Youth Programs with job placement services; and providing referrals to additional community mentorship and tutoring programs as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Youth Mentoring Specialist position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience. Prior experience in providing individualized support to recently arrived immigrant youth is strongly preferred, along with experience in positive youth development programming, educational support services, and career and vocational training. Experience working with volunteers is considered a plus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and the ability to effectively network and build relationships both internally and externally. A proactive attitude and comfort in a leadership role are essential, as is attention to detail and accuracy in work. Candidates should also have demonstrated success in working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with equivalent work experience that demonstrates their ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in educational principles and social services, which will enable the specialist to effectively support youth in their academic and vocational pursuits.

Experience:
The position requires prior experience in providing individualized support to youth, particularly those who are newly arrived immigrants. Candidates should have a background in positive youth development programming, educational support services, and career and vocational training. Experience working with volunteers is also beneficial, as the role involves recruiting and training volunteer mentors to support the MYVA program participants. The level of experience should reflect a strong understanding of the challenges faced by youth in transitional phases and the ability to provide effective guidance and support.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the client group is considered a plus, as it enhances the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of youth and their families.

Additional Notes:
The Youth Mentoring Specialist position is based in the United States and may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate program activities. The compensation for this role ranges from $22.00 to $23.70 per hour, with the exact offer depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and skills. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without discrimination.