This position is open to candidates with existing work authorization in the location where the position is advertised.
Job Overview: The Youth Services Specialist supports IRC's Refugee School Impact (RSI) program, helping ORR-eligible refugee students (ages 6-18) and their parents or guardians’ access and succeed in the U.S. education system. The Specialist helps families enroll their children in school, leads student and parent orientations, provides after-school tutoring and academic support during the school year, and runs a summer academic program. The Specialist also checks in regularly with students to track academic progress and coordinates with school staff, community partners, and the Education & Youth Services Manager to keep services aligned with program goals.
Major Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist newly arrived ORR-eligible families with school enrollment for children ages 6–18, including interpretation support as needed.
- Provide school orientation to enrolled students and lead Extended School Orientation workshops for parents and guardians, covering topics such as school choice, transportation, attendance, and how to support their child's education.
- Coordinate with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Office of Multilingual Learners and other school staff to identify enrollment issues early and keep teachers informed of students' academic progress.
- Support families choosing private schools, homeschools, or districts outside JCPS, including newly arrived refugee families served through the Program of Initial Resettlement.
- Deliver the after-school program twice a week during the school year, providing tutoring in reading and writing and other academic support, with the help of interns or volunteers.
- Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with students at school to track grades, homework completion, and attendance, and coordinate with teachers to address concerns early.
- Refer students and families to IRC programs or other community resources when needs arise outside of school.
- Plan and lead the summer academic program, including academic reinforcement, enrichment activities, field trips, and transportation to and from students' homes.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, referrals, and orientations in ClientTrack.
- Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of interns or other youth program staff.
- Attend regular meetings with the Education & Youth Services Manager to discuss programming and any concerns.
- Support case closures, transition planning, and other closeout activities as the program year winds down.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or a related field of study preferred.
Work Experience:
- Experience working with refugee, immigrant, or other multicultural youth and families, preferably in a school, resettlement, or case management setting.
Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize 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 client group 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.
- Familiarity with the U.S. education system, or willingness to learn local school district processes and requirements, is preferred. Experience with a client database system (such as ClientTrack) is a plus.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle, with the ability to transport clients as needed.
- Required to drive clients for school enrollment, summer programs, and after school.
- First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain before the start of the program).
Working Environment:
- A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above-outlined responsibilities.
- Occasional domestic (non-local) travel required; up to 10%.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
This position is expected to end on September 30, 2027.
Compensation: (Pay Rate: $21-$23/hr). 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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 $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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.