Youth Program Specialist

Job Overview: The Youth Program Specialist is responsible for implementing youth-focused programming, providing immigrant youth with tools to successfully adjust and thrive in their new communities. The Youth Program Specialist also assists parents to participate in their children’s school activities and supports schools in identifying resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of eligible students and families. The Youth Program Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client Services:

• Develop and implement youth programming, such as after-school or cultural enrichment activities.
• Coordinate services to refugee children and their parents in partnership with local school systems with a goal of supporting students so they can achieve educational success through regular school attendance and participation in school activities.
• Orient newly arrived families to the American public-school system and family law issues with a goal of increasing interaction between school staff and parents as well as parental participation in classroom activities.
• Conduct pre- and post-tests of each family’s understanding of the U.S. school attendance and participation requirements.
• In consultation with management, advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect and refer to partner agencies as appropriate and work with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing and provision of special education services.
• Improve school personnel’s understanding of refugee families’ cultural and language needs.
• Support student success by encouraging participation in activities such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, programs that encourage high school completion and full participation in school activities, after-school and summer clubs and activities, and college preparation assistance.

Compliance Documentation:

• Monitor and track students’ progress from one grade level to the next.
• Ensure required intake documents are fully completed and service plan updated as appropriate.

Team/Office Participation:

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency, placing importance on client confidentiality.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field of study is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in human services field strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.
• In accordance with Arizona State Law, must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

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

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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 $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), 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.