Job Overview: The Youth Program Specialist for the Afghan & Ukrainian Refugee School Impact Program will implement youth-focused programming, assist parents in participating in their children’s school activities, and support schools in identifying resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of eligible students and families. The role requires developing strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities:

Client Services:

• Develop and implement youth programming, such as after-school or cultural enrichment activities primarily for qualified Afghan & Ukrainian youth.
• Coordinate services to Afghan & Ukrainian children and their parents in partnership with local school systems with the goal of supporting students so they can achieve educational success through regular school attendance and participation in school activities.
• Orient Afghan & Ukrainian 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.
• In consultation with management, advocate for children in situations of abuse or neglect or refer to partner agencies as appropriate and work with parents to advocate for special needs students in identification, testing, and provision of special education services.
• Improve school personnel’s understanding of Afghan & Ukrainian families’ cultural and language needs.
• Support student success by encouraging participation in activities such as after-school tutoring and mentoring, programs encouraging high school completion, full participation in school activities, after-school and summer clubs and activities, and college preparation assistance.
• Ensure participant eligibility and implement a monitoring and evaluation structure to determine areas for improvement.
• Actively participate in the IRC internal Education & Youth network through recurring meetings, resource sharing, collaborative initiatives, and program data tracking, while also assisting in resource development and grant proposal writing to support the youth and education work of IRC Phoenix.
• 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 is strongly preferred.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability Dari, Ukrainian, Pashto, or Russian is desired.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member, coupled with excellent problem-solving skills, including multitasking, prioritization, and effective time management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, reliable transportation, and eligibility to receive a Level 1 fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• This position may involve occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate participants’ schedules.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.