Youth Program Specialist for Education Access and Family Engagement

Job Overview:

The vision of the IRC Atlanta Youth Program is that refugee youth will have the skills and resources necessary to pursue a future of opportunity. The Youth Program Specialist for Education Access and Family Engagement will coordinate initiatives to increase newcomer families’ access to education at all levels, help families better understand, connect and engage with local school systems, increase access to school information and resources, and lead family outreach and referral initiatives. The Youth Program Specialistsupports the enrollment of school-aged refugee youth in local schools and IRC in Atlanta’s Youthprograms, such as My New School (MNS) and Youth Futures After School (YF) programs. The Youth Program Specialist will supervise volunteers and interns, build relationships with partners and schools, and lead activities for families to assist with school success and family access.

Major Responsibilities:

• Receive and respond to referrals from Youth Program Staff and school partners for families who need additional assistance connecting to school or navigating instructional changes.
• Using interpretation services, conduct family outreach and provide systems navigation and support to improve family’s connection to school and student(s) engagement in school. Make referrals for additional wrap-around services as needed.
• Help gather information and design an expanded School Orientation training for newcomer families.
• Support the school enrollment of all school-aged youth, resettled by IRC in Atlanta, into local schools, including transporting families in IRC vehicles.
• Connect with school districts to identify contact people, enrollment process, and feedback from school districts to improve IRC’s partnership with school districts and enrollment process.
• Support the planning and implement IRC’s Summer Learning Program as needed. Support program enrollment; facilitate large group and 1:1 instruction and enrichment activities; implement curriculum and lesson plans to create engaging and interactive learning environment.
• Assist with data collection and tracking to meet funder requirements and for internal program monitoring and evaluation. Help complete necessary program reporting documentation.
• Meet weekly with IRC Youth Program Manager to discuss work assignment, receive support and feedback.
• Build supportive relationships with refugee youth and families utilizing a trauma informed approach in order to support student’s academic, and long-term personal and professional goals.
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the IRC team.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Education or related field preferred.

Work Experience:

• 2+ years related professional experience such as teaching, tutoring, youth development or youth case management.
• 1+ year experience supervision experience preferably related to teaching/tutoring or extended learning programs.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations; cross-cultural or overseas experience.
• Experience teaching English Language Learners.
• Experience teaching/tutoring virtually preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to use a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for individual student needs.
• Knowledge of virtual learning platforms and strong technology skills to utilize platforms such as Zoom or Google Classroom, navigate common tech problems and support digital literacy.
• Flexible and adaptable – able to quickly problem solve and change plans and activities according to student need or unexpected circumstances.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work well with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team. Ability to work remotely and responsibly self-manage time and tasks.
• Ability to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a diverse, fast-paced work environment.
• Fluent in predominant language of local client a plus but not required (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, etc.).

Working Environment:

• Scheduled working hours are spent in standard office work environment and program delivery in the Clarkston and Stone Mountain areas, including home visits and school visits.
• Occasional weekend and evening work required.

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.