Youth Program 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 IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The organization aims to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to making a lasting impact and delivering hope to millions around the globe.

Job Overview:
The Youth Program Specialist plays a crucial role in implementing youth-focused programming aimed at assisting immigrant youth in successfully adjusting and thriving within their new communities. This position involves not only direct engagement with youth but also collaboration with parents to enhance their participation in school activities. The specialist is tasked with developing strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that the needs of eligible students and families are met. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including the development of youth programming, coordination of services for refugee children, and advocacy for children facing challenges such as abuse or neglect. The Youth Program Specialist is expected to foster an environment that encourages educational success and cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the youth served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Youth Program Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and implementing youth programming, such as after-school or cultural enrichment activities tailored to the needs of immigrant youth.
• Coordinating services for refugee children and their parents in collaboration with local school systems, with the goal of supporting students in achieving educational success through regular attendance and active participation in school activities.
• Orienting newly arrived families to the American public-school system and family law issues, aiming to increase interaction between school staff and parents, as well as parental involvement in classroom activities.
• Conducting pre- and post-tests to assess each family's understanding of U.S. school attendance and participation requirements.
• Advocating for children in situations of abuse or neglect in consultation with management, and referring cases to partner agencies as appropriate.
• Working with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing, and provision of special education services.
• Enhancing school personnel's understanding of the cultural and language needs of refugee families.
• Supporting student success by promoting participation in after-school tutoring, mentoring, and programs that encourage high school completion and full engagement in school activities.
• Monitoring and tracking students' progress from one grade level to the next, ensuring that required intake documents are completed and service plans are updated as necessary. 1
• Participating in program meetings, staff development activities, and fulfilling other assigned duties as part of a collaborative team effort to provide comprehensive services to IRC clients.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in social work, education, or a related field of study, which is preferred. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the human services field is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate success in working and communicating effectively within a multicultural environment, showcasing both independent and collaborative contributions as a key team member. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, capable of multitasking, prioritizing duties, and managing time effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Youth Program Specialist position should possess a Bachelor's degree in social work, education, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively supporting immigrant youth and their families in navigating the educational system.

Experience:
The position necessitates a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the human services field. This experience is crucial for developing the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement youth programming and provide support to refugee children and their families.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population is highly desired, as it will enhance communication and support for the families served.

Additional Notes:
The Youth Program Specialist position is based in the United States and may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. The compensation for this role is set at $20.97 per hour. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, and 20-25 paid time off days depending on the role and tenure. Medical insurance starts at $163 per month, with dental and vision plans available at low monthly rates. The organization also provides a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering 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.