Youth and Education Specialist

Job Overview:

The Youth Reception and Placement (R&P) Assistant will support newly arrived refugee families with an orientation to the US school system, enrolling school-aged students in school by providing training to families and completing enrollment paperwork. This included providing logistical support to help students learn how to get to school such as walking and bus orientations on the first day of school. The Youth R&P Assistant will help new students and their parents and/or caregivers feel welcome in their new schools and will support other Education program services as needed including weekly Education program intakes with newly arrived families that evaluate a family social and educational history that is to be shared with the school staff serving them. This position reports to the Youth and Education Coordinator.

Major Responsibilities:

· Assists the Youth and Education Coordinator in preparation of new arrivals and in the provision of core services, specifically in initial Youth and Education Intake and follow-up training on navigating the U.S. school system.

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

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

· Complete school enrollment within 30 days of arrival and track in ETO and Podio databases

· Coordinate with school district partners on the needs of students and their families

· Assist with school re-enrollments for case managed youth in August

· Support with monthly Youth Cultural Orientation workshops designed to help youth navigate the U.S. school system.

· Support families and their school-aged youth connect and engage in school activities, meetings, and events to bolster their membership in the school community.

· Five hours supporting the IRC SLC Casework team including meetings, direct service support for clients, and tracking services in ETO database.

· Organize and put together school backpacks full of school supplies for new students

· May train and lead the activities of volunteers and interns.

· Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

· Associates Degree or equivalent preferred; or equivalent work experience, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment

· Excellent English written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills.

· Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.

· Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

· 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.

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

· Previous multi-cultural experience and proven ability to communicate well with people from diverse backgrounds strongly preferred.

· Ability to lift 35+ lbs. safely.

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

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven 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; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired.
• 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.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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 candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.