Student Support Specialist

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 individuals. The organization is committed to helping those in need through various programs that focus on health, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment. With thousands of employees worldwide, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions of people by addressing their immediate needs and supporting their long-term recovery.

Job Overview:
The Student Support Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting refugee students and their families as they navigate the educational landscape in the United States, specifically within the Abilene Independent School District (AISD). This position involves working closely with students, parents, and casework staff to ensure that refugee students receive the academic and civic integration support they need to succeed. The specialist will assess the educational backgrounds of students, identify barriers to their academic success, and develop individualized educational service plans tailored to each student's needs. The role also includes orienting newly arrived students and their families to the U.S. education system and the specific regulations of the AISD, connecting students with tutoring resources, and referring them to additional services as necessary. The specialist will facilitate group-based programming and activities, ensuring that all students are engaged and supported in their educational journey. This position requires a proactive approach to communication with parents and caregivers, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders to provide comprehensive support for refugee families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Student Support Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: assessing the educational backgrounds of refugee students and identifying barriers to their academic success; developing individualized educational service plans in collaboration with parents; orienting newly arrived students and their families to the U.S. education system; connecting students with tutoring resources and referring them to IRC services or external partners for additional support; providing training and oversight to volunteer mentors; planning and organizing group-based student programming schedules; facilitating group meetings and activities; ensuring adherence to safeguarding and safety policies; monitoring student attendance; maintaining communication with parents and caregivers; providing cultural and refugee-specific training to educational partners; maintaining program documentation and reporting; ensuring compliance with IRC standards; and contributing to program reporting for both internal and external purposes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Student Support Specialist position should possess a bachelor's degree, preferably in education, psychology, or social work. Experience working with at-risk youth, particularly in educational and social program contexts, is essential. Familiarity with case management and experience working with refugee or immigrant populations is highly desirable. A demonstrated understanding of the U.S. education system is crucial, along with excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, is required. Additionally, candidates must have a valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area. Flexibility in working hours to accommodate meetings with middle and high school students outside of school hours is also necessary, and occasional weekend or evening work may be required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Student Support Specialist position should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as education, psychology, or social work. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support refugee students and their families in navigating the complexities of the U.S. education system. A strong understanding of educational principles, psychological support strategies, and social work practices will enhance the specialist's ability to address the unique challenges faced by refugee students.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working with at-risk youth, particularly in the context of educational and social programs. Experience in case management and working with refugee or immigrant populations is highly desirable, as it equips the specialist with the necessary skills to understand and address the specific needs of these communities. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully supporting youth in educational settings and navigating the challenges that may arise in their academic journeys.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is highly desired, as it will facilitate effective communication with refugee students and their families, ensuring that they receive the support they need in their preferred language.

Additional Notes:
This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. The compensation for this role ranges from $21.57 to $22.00 per hour, with pay ranges applicable to U.S.-based candidates. These ranges are determined based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization also emphasizes adherence to professional standards and core values, including integrity, service, equality, and accountability.