Youth Program Specialist

About this role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. 

Job Overview : The Youth Program Specialist is responsible for implementing youth-focused programming, providing immigrant youth with tools to successfully adjust and thrive in their new communities.  Current programs include the Virginia Refugee School Achievement Project (VRSAP), which facilitates successful academic progress and achievement, social adjustment, and school completion of eligible youth between the ages of 5 and 18 years and the Mentoring Youth in Virginia (MYVA) program, which promotes positive civic and social engagement and supports educational and vocational advancement for eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years.  The Youth Program Specialist also assists parents to participate in their children’s school activities and supports schools in identifying resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of eligible students and families.  The Youth Program Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

This position has an end date of September, 30, 2026. 

Major Responsibilities : Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client Services: • Coordinate services to refugee children and their parents in partnership with local school systems with a goal of supporting students so they can achieve educational success through regular school attendance and participation in school activities.

• Orient newly arrived families to the American public-school system and family law issues with a goal of increasing interaction between school staff and parents as well as parental participation in classroom activities.

• Conduct pre- and post-tests of each family’s understanding of the U.S. school attendance and participation requirements.

• In consultation with management, advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect and refer to partner agencies as appropriate.

• In consultation with management, work with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing and provision of special education services.

• Improve school personnel’s understanding of refugee families’ cultural and language needs.

• Support student success by encouraging participation in activities such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, programs that encourage high school completion and full participation in school activities, after-school and summer clubs and activities, and college preparation assistance.

• Identify and offer enrollment to high potential youth in the MYVA program, developing a personalized service plan to meet their individual academic, social, and professional goals.

• Match each MYVA participant with a trained adult mentor, and monitor progress of the relationship to ensure that participant needs and goals are met.

• Develop and implement additional youth programming as applicable, such as after-school or cultural enrichment activities.

Compliance Documentation: • Monitor and track students’ progress from one grade level to the next.

• Ensure required intake documents are fully completed and service plan updated as appropriate.

• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all VRSAP and MYVA reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.

Team/Office Participation: • Participate in all program meetings, VRSAP and MYVA monthly conference calls, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.

• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.

• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency, placing importance on client confidentiality.

Job Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, or related field of study is preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in human services field strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population is desired.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.  

Working Environment: • A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Equal Opportunity Employer : IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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