Peer Mentor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization is dedicated to promoting the rights and dignity of individuals and communities, ensuring that they have access to essential services such as education, health care, and economic opportunities. With a workforce of thousands of employees and volunteers, the IRC is committed to delivering impactful programs that empower individuals and foster resilience in communities.

Job Overview:
The Peer Mentor position is specifically designed for current IRC Leaders in Training (LIT) students, focusing on the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy, a six-week program aimed at helping newly arrived immigrant youth integrate and succeed in the New York City public school system. This role involves supporting up to 130 students aged 5 to 21 from diverse backgrounds, engaging them in various academic and extracurricular activities, including creative arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning. Peer Mentors will work closely with Classroom Teachers to facilitate productive lessons and serve as positive role models. The position requires full availability for training and the entire duration of the program, which is conducted in-person with no remote options available. Peer Mentors will play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students, helping them navigate cultural differences and ensuring their academic and social-emotional growth throughout the Academy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Peer Mentor will be responsible for completing all required staff training before the program begins, attending all program meetings, and participating in staff development activities. They will act as positive role models for students, demonstrating appropriate behavior and academic engagement at all times. The Peer Mentor will assist teachers with classroom management, support various classroom activities, and provide individualized or small group tutoring as directed by the teacher. They will also supervise daily student meals and manage student arrival and dismissal processes. Participation in field trips every Friday is mandatory, where the Peer Mentor will assist in supervising students. Additionally, they will support students in navigating cultural differences to ensure they feel included and confident. The Peer Mentor will be required to complete an All Staff Survey to provide feedback on the program and must comply with all IRC policies and protocols. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be at least 17 years old and a rising high school senior. They must be active participants in good standing with the IRC’s Leaders in Training program for the current academic year. Residing in or near New York City is essential, as candidates must be able to travel to and from the program site. Experience or a strong interest in working with refugee and immigrant communities is preferred, along with experience working with children or peers, particularly in educational settings. Candidates should demonstrate punctuality, excellent time management skills, and flexibility in their schedules. Outstanding intercultural and interpersonal communication skills are necessary, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information. Strong organizational and leadership skills, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work with minimal supervision are also required. Knowledge of classroom procedures and health and safety precautions is a plus.

Educational Background:
While there are no specific educational requirements beyond being a rising high school senior, candidates should have a strong interest in education and working with youth, particularly in diverse and multicultural settings. Experience in educational environments or related fields is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have some experience working with children or peers, particularly in educational or community service contexts. A strong interest in supporting refugee and immigrant communities is essential, and any previous experience in similar roles will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Proficiency in a second language relevant to the community served is highly desirable. Languages such as Arabic, Dari, Farsi, French, Fulani, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Wolof are particularly valued.

Additional Notes:
This position is in-person and requires candidates to be available for the entire duration of the program. The Academy takes place in a New York City public school, and all participants must be willing to relocate to New York City for the program. The position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to collective bargaining agreements. Compensation for this role is set at a pay rate of $22.50 per hour, with the exact offer calibrated based on work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability.