Student Support Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. 

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.

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. 

Compensation: ($20.70/hour). 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

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.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

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.