Youth Program Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. It operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC is recognized as one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO) dedicated to humanitarian aid, with a mission to help people survive, regain control of their futures, and strengthen their communities. The organization employs a diverse workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that restore dignity and hope to millions of individuals worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Youth Program Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting school-aged refugee youth and their families as they transition into the school environment. This position involves assisting with program intakes, service planning, and the delivery of services for IRC’s after-school programs. The Youth Program Assistant will collaborate closely with the Youth Program Coordinator to facilitate students' academic and social-emotional development. Responsibilities include providing homework assistance, supporting lead teachers in small group instruction, and managing behavior in various extracurricular activities such as theater, STEM, music, art, and sports. The role also encompasses the development of parent workshops and clerical tasks as needed. Communication is a key aspect of this position, as the Youth Program Assistant will interpret and translate for students and staff, ensuring effective communication with families. The position requires a commitment of 20 hours per week, divided between in-person programming and remote administrative work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Program Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting one-on-one and group homework sessions to ensure students comprehend the material and can independently complete assignments.
• Guiding students during workshop activities to maintain engagement and understanding.
• Supporting instructors and administrators by providing additional assistance as needed.
• Assisting with the setup and cleanup of program materials on a daily basis.
• Performing clerical tasks such as data entry, filing, scheduling, and other administrative duties as assigned.
• Collaborating with program staff and administrators to assess students’ needs and adjust support strategies accordingly.
• Conducting outreach to eligible communities to recruit students for programming.
• Maintaining direct contact with families via phone, text, and WhatsApp to report on student interactions and collect necessary documentation.
• Conducting ongoing data collection through surveys to evaluate program success. 1
• Providing interpretation services to address educational issues involving children. 1
• Assisting program staff in outreach efforts to parents of youth facing challenges in the program. 1
• Collaborating with other IRC staff to facilitate participation in additional IRC programming as needed. 1
• Maintaining comprehensive case notes in accordance with IRC and funding partner standards. 1
• Participating in staff development and monthly team meetings. 1
• Preparing a monthly newsletter for families about program events, ensuring translation for all represented languages. 1
• Continuously updating skills and knowledge in educational trends and refugee resettlement practices. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma, with a preference for those working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or education. A minimum of one year of experience working with youth is required, ideally with English language learners. Experience in public education settings and with refugee or immigrant populations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate solid diplomacy, relationship-building, and networking skills, with the ability to manage internal and external relationships effectively. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, particularly in cross-cultural environments. The ability to remain organized, responsible, and flexible while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment is crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, along with the ability to utilize the internet and other resources for research and problem-solving.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma as a minimum educational qualification. Candidates who are working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or education are preferred, indicating a focus on relevant fields that align with the responsibilities of supporting youth and families.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of experience working with youth, particularly in contexts involving English language learners. Experience in public education settings is highly preferred, as is familiarity with refugee and immigrant populations. This experience is vital for understanding the unique challenges faced by the youth served by the IRC.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both in written and spoken forms. Additionally, fluency in one of the languages spoken by the populations served, such as Ukrainian, Russian, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or French, is highly desired. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with students and their families.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, requiring a commitment of 20 hours per week, which will be divided between in-person programming and remote administrative tasks. The compensation for this role ranges from $22.50 to $23.00 per hour, with the exact offer depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and skills. All hiring is contingent upon passing background checks and the submission of an annual physical form. If the position is located at a New York City Public School site, additional fingerprinting may be required. The IRC is committed to creating a safe environment for its employees and clients, adhering to core values of integrity, service, equality, and accountability.