Refugee Youth Summer Academy Activity Facilitator

Job Description

Position: Refugee Youth Summer Academy Activity Facilitator Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator, Operations Specialist, Education Specialist Position Term: Training: July 25th-29th, 9:00am – 3:00pm; Program: August 1 – August 19, Monday-Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm

Background: Since 2011, the IRC has resettled hundreds of refugee youth to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 140 refugee students enrolled in various districts across Union and Hudson County, with new students arriving each month. IRC’s youth program works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students. The Education and Learning Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee and immigrant youth, their parents and families, and their schools.

Scope of Work: In August 2022, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three-week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in Hudson and Union County, NJ. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in eight classes, from at least 10 countries. Students will engage in ESL, creative arts, sports, field trips, and other activities. The Activity Facilitators will work closely with Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Peer Mentors, and other RYSA staff to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment. This is an UNPAID volunteer position.

At all grade levels (kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12) Activity Facilitators will develop, implement, and supervise activities such as art, music, dance, theater, etc. The specialty area will be determined based upon the candidate’ area of expertise. Each Activity Facilitator is expected to implement a culturally and age-appropriate activity for a class of approximately 15 students for approximately 30-50 minutes, infusing principles from the IRC Safe Healing and Learning Spaces model. Given the varied English levels and formal education experiences of the student body, the Activity Facilitator must be flexible and comfortable with using various methods for engaging with English Language Learners (ELLs). Throughout their specialized activity, facilitators will be expected to contribute to the program’s goals of fostering students’ English competence and social-emotional development. Candidates will be working with a variety of class levels. All applicants must be experienced in their specialty area.

Position term: July 25th-29th ~25 hours of training and preparation August 1-August 19: Facilitator hours will be determined based upon program scheduling

Major Responsibilities:

- Participate in Youth Summer Staff training in late July/early August and all program meetings - Ensure the activity environment is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive to refugee students - With input from the Education Specialist and Youth Coordinator, implement a culturally and age-appropriate specialized activity using student centered teaching methodologies for English Language Learners at all school levels. - Act as a positive role model for students and staff - Comply with all agency policies and protocols - Productively incorporate assistant teacher and classroom volunteers into activity instruction - Facilitate student projects per class throughout the three-week program to be presented to families upon the conclusion of programming during RYSA graduation

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

- A minimum of two years facilitating specialized activity - Trauma-informed training in field preferred - Experience working with diverse ELL students preferred - Cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience desirable - Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations desirable - Ability to work independently and as part of a team - Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Spanish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Arabic

Working Environment: Monday-Thursday, the program will be held on-site at Kean University in Union, NJ Option to travel to field trips on Fridays

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.

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.