Student Support Specialist

Job Description

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 40 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 26 U.S. cities each year through initial housing assistance; case management and referral services; job readiness and placement; community and cultural orientation; health and wellness programs; immigration services; and youth programs.

Scope of Work: The Student Support Specialist will work with refugee students, parents, case work staff, and the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) to coordinate academic and civic integration and promote academic success in refugee students new to Abilene.

Responsibilities:

Educational case management and coaching:

- Assess educational background of refugee students enrolled in the program, determine barriers to academic success, and develop an individualized educational service plan - Develop an academic support service plan with parents of school students enrolled into the program - Orient newly arrived school students and parents on the US education system and Abilene Independent School District regulations (Will be split by two staff members) - Connect refugee students with tutoring resources - Refer students to IRC services or external partners as needed for medical and social support. - Provide training and oversight to volunteer mentors for academic coaching

Group-based Programming Facilitation

- Plan group-based student programming schedules and organize logistics - Develop meeting agendas and lesson plans - Facilitate group-based student group meetings and student Spring Break and Summer Academy activities in line with the program design and activity/lesson plans - Ensure adherence to safeguarding, safety, and security policies and procedures - Monitor student attendance - Communicate with parents/caregivers on a regular basis - Provide cultural and refugee specific training to educational partners

Program Documentation and Reporting

- Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with IRC standards and contractual obligations, contribute to strengthening program monitoring - Ensure program participants are properly enrolled and maintain student files, including educational assessments, service plans, case notes, and documentation of program outcomes - Ensure program data is consistently collected and entered in ETO and in accordance with contractual obligations - Contribute to program reporting for internal and external purposes - Other responsibilities as assigned.

Team Coordination

- Collaborate and communicate with Youth Programs team members and other office colleagues to ensure wraparound support for families served across departments - Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator on recruiting mentors. - Ensure referrals across programs are followed up - Provide support and expertise to other youth programs and office teams related to supporting youth and family needs

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in the areas of education, psychology, or social work. - Experience working with at-risk youth, specifically in the context of educational and social programs - Experience in case management and working with refugee and/or immigrant populations highly desirable.

- Demonstrated understanding of the US education system - Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). - Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area. - Ability to work hours conducive to meeting with middle and high school students outside of school. - 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 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 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.

#LI-GR1

Qualifications