Student Support Specialist

Job Overview: The IRC provides trauma-informed services to refugees and other qualified immigrants to support a positive resettlement experience and the achievement of client self-sufficiency. They work closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service and/or self-sufficiency plans to meet individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements. 

Program Design and Management:

·       Plan for the overall department and its programs in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization.

·       With input from the Deputy Director and program staff, establish and implement annual and long-term goals and objectives to successfully achieve programmatic outcomes.

·       Ensure Student success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports young people to thrive in their community.

·       Utilize internal and external resources to ensure Abilene Student programs implement innovative and evolving best practices for working with vulnerable Students for positive Student development and academic success, including aligning programming with IRC’s Social Emotional Asset Development Framework and approaches.

·       Ensure all programmatic, contractual, and donor requirements and IRC standards of care are met.

·       Guarantee accurate and timely financial and client-related recordkeeping throughout the department, including the use of ETO, IRIS and ClientTrack systems.

·       Resource Development and Partnership Development:

·       Contribute to proposal development efforts for the department’s programs to ensure the continuous delivery of services.

·       Sustain and grow partnerships with the local school districts and other strategic partners to maximize their coordination, cooperation, and support.

·       Other duties as assigned.

 Job Requirements:

·       Bachelor’s (4-year university) degree required; graduate degree in education, non-profit management, public administration, social work, human services, or other related field preferred.

·       Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with Student; experience working with refugee and/or immigrant Student strongly preferred.

·       Demonstrated success in creating and implementing Student programming and in developing community partnerships.

·       Knowledge of programming and program design strongly preferred

·       Knowledge of evidence-based and best practices for cross-cultural family engagement, inclusive youth engagement, and strategies for working with language learners and students with limited or interrupted education

·       Strong people management skills. Two years of supervisory experience preferred.

·       Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality.  Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives.

·       Outstanding oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

·       Fluency in English required.  Bilingual abilities in one or more languages of population preferred (e.g., Swahili, French, Kirundi, Dari, Pashto).

·       Grant writing and grant implementation experience preferred

·       Deep commitment to working with humanitarian immigrants.

·       Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.

·       Desire to join a team working to protect due process and immigrant rights.

·       Must have a valid driver’s license, access to a personal, insured vehicle, and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred. Minimum

Work Experience:

·       Minimum of 3 years experience strongly preferred.  Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with Student; experience working with refugee and/or immigrant Student strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality.  Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural 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.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• Occasional domestic (non-local) travel required; up to 10%.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits.  In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

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