Youth Program Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Youth Program Specialist
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: August 29, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was established in 1933 and has been dedicated to helping people affected by humanitarian crises. The organization has developed partnerships with various entities, including public schools, community-based organizations, and local colleges and universities, particularly in New York City, to support the positive development of refugee youth and their communities. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 10,000 employees worldwide, focusing on providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Youth Program Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting school-aged refugee youth and their families as they transition into the school system. This position involves close collaboration with IRC colleagues and partner agencies across three main program areas: after-school and weekend programming, Mini-Academies during school breaks, and the Newcomer Youth Summer Academy, which serves as a comprehensive orientation for K-12 refugee and immigrant youth. The specialist is responsible for planning and leading educational lessons, providing logistical support to teaching staff, coordinating instructional coaching, and managing classroom assessment materials. Additionally, the specialist will collect, enter, and analyze assessment data to ensure that the daily needs of the Academy are met. A significant aspect of this role includes acting as a liaison to parents and caregivers, offering regular updates on programming, collecting necessary documentation, and sharing information regarding students' academic and behavioral progress. Furthermore, the specialist will recruit and oversee volunteer Peer Mentors who will serve as role models and provide support in classes, as well as assist in the oversight of three sub-award agencies that provide services to refugees in New York City, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Program Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: functioning as a lead staff member at after-school programming throughout the city by developing and implementing engaging lessons and activities for refugee and immigrant youth; assisting and guiding students during workshop activities to ensure engagement and comprehension; leading the classroom climate and culture in alignment with the academy's philosophy; aiding in the design and implementation of in-person Mini-Academies and the six-week summer academy; co-leading the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer peer mentors; providing behavioral support for students as necessary; communicating with families regarding programming and behavioral concerns, utilizing interpretation services when needed; conducting ongoing data collection through surveys to assess program success; providing translation and interpretation services to address educational issues; supporting logistics for meals and field trips; collaborating with IRC staff to provide comprehensive support; maintaining detailed case notes as per IRC and funding partner standards; participating in staff development and monthly team meetings; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, or a related field. A minimum of one year of experience working with youth is required, preferably with English language learners. Experience with refugee and/or immigrant populations from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds is highly desired, as is familiarity with the New York City Public School system. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to foster an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality, and should be adept at leading collaborative efforts among individuals from various cultures with diverse skills and perspectives. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as education, social work, psychology, or a closely related discipline. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of working with youth, particularly those from refugee and immigrant backgrounds.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of experience working with youth, with a preference for candidates who have experience with English language learners. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the New York City Public School system, which will enhance the specialist's ability to navigate the educational landscape effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in one of the languages spoken by the populations served, such as Haitian Creole, Ukrainian, Russian, or Spanish, is highly desired and will be considered an asset in effectively communicating with students and families.

Additional Notes:
This position is a leave replacement scheduled to end on August 29, 202

• The working environment includes some days in a standard office setting and some days at program locations around New York City, particularly in Brooklyn. The role allows for up to two days of remote work per week when in-person programming is not scheduled. Compensation is based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget, with specific pay ranges applicable to US-based candidates. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations throughout the application and interview process. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.