Youth Program Specialist - REACH Program - Crawford High School - San Diego, CA - Supporting Refugee and Immigrant Youth through Education and Social Emotional Learning

Job Overview

Join the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Diego as a Youth Program Specialist, playing a critical role in supporting refugee and immigrant youth through our REACH (Refugee Education, Acculturation, Civic Engagement, and Health) Program at Crawford High School. As a key member of our team, you will oversee and implement after-school academic tutoring and social emotional learning (SEL) programs, working closely with students, teachers, and community partners to ensure a holistic and trauma-informed approach to supporting the needs of our clients.

About the IRC and Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance, protection, and resettlement services to refugees and other displaced persons worldwide. With a presence in over 30 countries, including the United States, the IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity, valuing the unique experiences and perspectives of our staff and the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. As an equal opportunity employer, 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.

Major Responsibilities

• Program Implementation: Oversee and implement all REACH Program components at Crawford High School, including after-school academic tutoring and SEL programs.
• Outreach and Recruitment: Conduct outreach and recruitment efforts to engage refugee youth in program activities, ensuring a diverse and inclusive participant base.
• Tutoring Sessions: Facilitate after-school tutoring sessions multiple days per week, providing academic support and guidance to students.
• SEL Curriculum Development: Develop and facilitate culturally appropriate and level-appropriate SEL curriculum to engage students in learning and enrichment activities.
• Liaison and Collaboration: Serve as a liaison to key teachers and staff at school sites, district, and community partners, fostering strong relationships and collaboration.
• Referrals and Support: Provide internal and external referrals for youth and families, utilizing a holistic and trauma-informed approach to support client needs.
• Volunteer and Intern Supervision: Supervise volunteers and interns placed to support school-based activities, ensuring effective program implementation.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Assess and monitor students' SEL gains through regular administration and evaluation of funder-prescribed or internal assessments.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collect and track student data relating to grade level requirements, maintaining accurate records and contributing to monthly and quarterly funder reports.
• Acculturation Field Trips: Coordinate and run acculturation field trips for new arrival students, promoting cultural enrichment and understanding.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in the educational/social services field preferred.
• Some college in the educational/social services field or equivalent years of related work experience required.

Work Experience:

• Experience working with youth in a school setting strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugees, asylees, and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a diverse, non-traditional setting with a diverse client base.
• Experience in a non-profit setting and/or international setting a plus.
• Experience with online learning platforms, including Zoom, Google Classroom, and Drive, a plus.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations and lead groups.
• Ability to think and work independently.
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of student records and adhere to data monitoring and reporting deadlines.
• Proficiency in a refugee and/or immigrant language, such as Somali, Swahili, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Farsi, a plus.
• Must be very flexible, capable of working under pressure with deadlines, and handling multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Strong digital literacy skills, particularly in MS Office applications and experience with databases.

Working Environment

The Youth Program Specialist will work in a standard office environment, including the current hybrid mode of remote work within San Diego County and required in-office days. Frequent 'field' time within the service delivery area will be necessary to perform the above-outlined responsibilities. Office hours are designated from Monday to Friday, commencing at 8:30 am and concluding at 5:00 pm. However, it is acknowledged that after-school programming staff may necessitate slight adjustments to their schedules to effectively cover the entire duration of the program.

Requirements:

• Access to a reliable vehicle to travel throughout the service delivery area with a valid driver's license and current insurance required.

Compensation and Benefits

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary: $22.96 - $25.55 per hour.
• 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.
• Vision starting at $5 per month.
• FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs.
• A 403b retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3-year vesting).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

The IRC is committed to the professional development and growth of our staff. As a Youth Program Specialist, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop and enhance your skills in program implementation, community outreach, and social emotional learning.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals in the field of refugee and immigrant support.
• Contribute to the development of innovative programs and services that make a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients.

Why Join the IRC?

By joining the IRC as a Youth Program Specialist, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of refugee and immigrant youth. You will have the opportunity to:

• Work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment that values diversity and inclusivity.
• Develop and implement programs that promote academic success, social emotional learning, and cultural enrichment.
• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to supporting client needs.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting refugee and immigrant youth and have a strong commitment to education and social emotional learning, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!