Academic Coach AmeriCorps

BACKGROUND:
The staff of the International Rescue Committee in Dallas work as a team to provide comprehensive resettlement services- including case management, employment and immigration services to newly arrived refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking as they begin to rebuild their lives in the Dallas area. The Academic Coaching Program will provide refugee youth between the ages of 14-22 with year-round academic support, literacy training, and enrichment activities. It will also equip their families with resources and support services to enable them to navigate the public education system in Dallas.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The goal of the Academic Coaching program is to help recently arrived refugee and immigrant youth adapt successfully to Dallas area educational institutions while giving them the tools and opportunities they need to grow in their academics, regulate emotions, and expand their social circles.  Academic Coaches will work directly with refugee families and school personnel in order to guide the student and their family through the education system and empower them to thrive in their new setting. 

The Academic Coach will serve as the central point of contact, providing support services to newly arrived refugee students.  The Coach will ensure appropriate school schedules and class placement, communicate with children, school staff, and families, make referrals as necessary to other service providers and connect with relevant school personnel. The Academic Coach will receive reimbursement for travel expenses and other approved program expenses. The Academic Coach intern position is for the duration of the academic school year (September-May).

WHAT IS AN AMERICORPS? 
AmeriCorps is a national service program dedicated to working in local communities to affect change through service. With the support of the OneStar Foundation, CitySquare operates one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in Texas, leveraging more than 300 AmeriCorps members every year who serve throughout the state of Texas.

CitySquare AmeriCorps members provide support to CitySquare programs and local nonprofit host sites working to:
1. Increase academic engagement among economically disadvantaged youth
2. Alleviate food insecurity through food pantry assistance and summer meals
3. Improve economic opportunity for adults through case management, workforce development, housing support, and resource referrals.

In return for service, AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living allowance and an education award that can be used for tuition or student loans!

SERVICE HOURS:
CitySquare AmeriCorps Quarter Time AmeriCorps members serve a minimum of 450 hours over a four-month period, or an average of 32-35 hours per week. In addition, all members are expected to participate in centralized AmeriCorps trainings – including, but not limited to initial pre-service orientation and Life after AmeriCorps training. Members are also required to participate in any national service days scheduled during their term of service. A calendar of required trainings and service projects is provided at pre-service orientation.

Members may serve between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday-Friday and one Saturday a month is required. Three evenings a week will be required from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Vickery Meadow and Richardson area. Service will be in-person with some remote options. All members are provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and must be willing to work in-person, and practice masking and social distancing at all times. Members are expected to serve through their end date even if minimum hour requirement is met prior to this date.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
The AmeriCorps Academic Coach will provide education-based case management to newly-arrived refugee youth, with the goal of empowering them to attain long-term success in their new academic setting.

Specific duties include:

• Conduct student and caregiver assessments in order to set a baseline for growth and a starting point for service provision.  
• Establish an individual service plan for the academic year with newly arrived refugee high schoolers and their family; provide mentoring, guidance, advocacy, mediation, and social activities.
• Facilitate caregiver involvement in children’s education through phone calls, home visits, leading workshops, and other mechanisms, including attending Parent/Teacher conferences.
• Provide or secure interpretation services as needed to address issues involving children’s education.
• Maintain comprehensive case notes and regularly update family’s individual service plan to respond to students’ academic, material, and special case management needs.
• Conduct mental health screeners and provide psychosocial support.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance.
• Help with transportation by driving students to Saturday Learning Series activities, job interviews, and other appointments.
• Assist the youth services coordinator in organizing and planning Saturday Learning Series events around Dallas.
• Participate in staff development and team meetings and complete program-related data entry.
• Refer clients and collaborate with other departments and organizations to provide necessary services.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment combined with evenings spent tutoring and visiting in the homes of clients. One Saturday a month will be spent attending field trips in locations around Dallas.
Unfortunately at this time we are unable to offer compensation for this internship. Thank you for your understanding that this is a practicum placement for growing professionals.