Youth and Education Assistant

Job Overview:

The Youth & Education Assistant will support newly arrived refugee families with school-aged children to gain understanding, competencies, and skills related to education access and success in the US school system. This includes providing follow-up case management services once youth are enrolled in schools such as after-school program enrollment, school orientations for parents/caregivers, logistical assistance for parent-teacher meetings, and data tracking and evaluation. The Youth & Education Assistant also manages community volunteers who are matched with school-aged youth to provide individualized homework and ESL support. The position also involves early morning appointments as needed when youth begin school. This position reports to the Youth and Education Specialist.

Major Responsibilities:

· Assists the Youth and Education Specialist in the preparation of new youth arrivals and in the provision of core services and follow-up training on navigating the U.S. school system.

· Gather documents and complete school enrollment applications with school-aged students, as needed.

· Teach students how to walk or take the bus to school and coordinate logistics with other IRC resettlement teams.

· Assemble, organize, and distribute school backpacks full of school supplies for new students.

· Facilitate workshops and design activities for caregivers, students, and families relating to education access skills and self-reliance.

· Provide basic computer-use digital skill training for parents and caregivers, as needed.

· Maintain internal data tracking systems such as immunization compliance in youth clients.

· Support after school and summer program enrollment for case managed youth.

· Train and coordinate the activities of volunteers and interns.

· Participate in all staff meetings, trainings, office support, reception coverage and other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/Work Experience:

· Associates Degree or relevant work experience that demonstrates competencies to meet the job responsibilities.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

· Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills are required.

· Experience working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

· Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

· Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.

· Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

· Fluency in a language spoken by one or more of the refugee groups IRC is serving (Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Sango, Swahili, Uzbek) preferred.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.

· Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

· Ability to lift 35+ lbs. safely.

Working Environment:**

· Standard office environment with regular participation in community outreach and events.

· May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

· Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.