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 grown to operate in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and safety, aiming to restore dignity and self-sufficiency to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Youth Program Specialist is a pivotal role within the IRC, specifically designed to support school-aged refugee youth and their families as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new educational environment. This position is integral to the successful implementation of the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy, which aims to foster social-emotional development and positive engagement among students. The Youth Program Specialist will work closely with the Student Support Team to ensure that students are connected to necessary resources and that their social-emotional needs are met. The role involves outreach to families, participation in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, and support for various school-related activities, including field trips and special events. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring student progress and adjusting support plans as needed, ensuring that each child's unique needs are addressed effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Program Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting outreach to families to confirm attendance and coordinating the distribution and translation of materials; assisting in the enrollment of new students into the Academy in accordance with IRC policies; coordinating the enrollment of parents and caregivers into Parent ESOL Classes; conducting behavioral observations of students and developing behavior plans for those with significant needs; meeting with students to implement individual and group behavioral interventions; collecting and compiling data related to Tier II and Tier III services; monitoring student progress and adjusting support plans; providing crisis intervention and de-escalation support; coordinating student school enrollment and registration for various programs; securing interpretation services as needed; referring families to community-based services; planning and leading SEL and affinity groups; maintaining comprehensive case notes; supervising interns; and participating in staff development and team meetings. The specialist will also perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field, with a Master’s degree in the same fields preferred. A minimum of one year of experience working with youth is required, ideally with English language learners. Proficiency in working with diverse cultural and linguistic groups is highly desired. Experience in a public education setting is preferred, along with familiarity with refugee and immigrant populations. Candidates should have experience designing student-centered curricula and developing monitoring and evaluation systems. Strong diplomacy, relationship-building, and networking skills are essential, as well as excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. The ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure is crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field. A Master’s degree in the same fields is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in working with youth, particularly those from refugee backgrounds.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of experience working with youth, with a preference for candidates who have experience specifically with English language learners. Experience in a public education setting is highly preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the educational challenges faced by students. Familiarity with refugee and immigrant populations is also highly desirable, as it equips the specialist with the necessary understanding to effectively support these communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently is required for effective communication with students and families. Additionally, fluency in one of the languages spoken by the populations served is required, with Spanish being highly preferred. Other preferred languages include Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, Pashto, and French, which would enhance the specialist's ability to connect with and support diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This position is required to be on-site Monday to Friday at the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy, located at a centrally located school. The role includes supporting students on off-site field trips on Fridays. The position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. Compensation for this role is set at a pay range of $27.50 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 committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability.