College and Career Navigator

IRC Background:  The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Seattle is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview: The vision of the IRC Seattle Youth Program is that youth from refugee and immigrant backgrounds will have the skills and resources necessary to pursue a future of opportunity. The Youth Program works towards this vision by providing educational and enrichment opportunities to help school-aged and young adult youth from refugee and immigrant backgrounds catch up on their education, accelerate English proficiency, plan and prepare for post-secondary education and career, and build positive relationships in the school and community. The College and Career Navigator will support IRC Seattle’s Youth Futures and Refugee Youth Mentoring Program (RYMP) including providing case management and coaching services to youth 18-21 years old enrolled in RYMP, facilitating Youth Futures afterschool and summer workshops for High School students, and providing individualized academic tutoring related to the High School and Beyond Plan. As the College and Career Navigator you will have the unique opportunity to partner with newcomer youth as they develop the skills, resources, and knowledge to pursue their future goals and dreams. 

Major Responsibilities:

Coaching and Support for Youth Mentorship Program

•Conduct outreach, recruit, and enroll eligible youth in the RYMP program.
•Provide ongoing and regular case management and coaching services to youth 18-21 years old enrolled in IRC Seattle’s Refugee Youth Mentoring Program (RYMP) focusing on post-secondary education, career readiness, social and civic engagement, and systems navigation.
•In partnership with enrolled youth, create individualized service plans and program goals for each participant, centered on youth voice and choice, using a strengths-based approach.
•Complete regular case notes, service plan updates, and documentation to support monthly reporting requirements.
•Train volunteer mentors and match participating youth with a mentor; monitor and support mentor/mentee relationships.
•Plan workshops with support from Youth Program Coordinator 
•Plan and facilitate social and civic engagement opportunities in accordance with guidance around COVID-19 ( field trips, college visits, virtual or in-person college and career panel discussions).

Program Implementation

•Support the implementation of IRC Seattle’s Youth Futures afterschool and summer program including participating in Youth Futures planning and development meetings and facilitating Youth Futures workshops.
•Provide individualized academic and High School and Beyond Plan tutoring.
•Create safe and healing learning spaces and build supportive relationships with youth from refugee and immigrant backgrounds utilizing a trauma informed and culturally responsive approach that promotes positive cultural identity, celebration of diversity, and is continually working towards equity and anti-racism in education.

Resource Development

•Maintain ongoing knowledge of college and career pathways, application processes, financial aid requirements. and options, High School and Beyond Plan requirements, unique college and career programs for newcomer youth from refugee backgrounds.
•Research and build knowledge of available services and programs offered within IRC, schools, districts, community colleges, universities, partner agencies, and social service providers, in order to make referrals and connect youth and families to additional programs and services as needed.

General

•Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the IRC team.
•Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.
•Other related duties as assigned.


Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator
Position directly supervises: Volunteers and Interns
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Resettlement , Volunteer and Development Team, Youth Program, New Roots Program, Health Empowerment Program, Survivor Services Program, Economic Empowerment Program, Immigration Program, and other IRC departments
External: School Districts (Teachers, Admin, etc.), Colleges and Universities, Community Based Organizations, families