Youth Services Specialist

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.

Responsibilities include:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or a related field of study preferred.
• Experience working with refugee, immigrant, or other multicultural youth and families, preferably in a school, resettlement, or case management setting.
• 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).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary ($21-$23/hr)
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including 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.