Elementary Youth Program Specialist - Supporting Refugee and Immigrant Students in Educational Excellence

Join the International Rescue Committee in Making a Difference in the Lives of Refugee and Immigrant Youth

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a renowned humanitarian organization dedicated to providing aid and support to individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster. With a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States, the IRC is committed to helping people survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Our Seattle office, established in 1976, offers a range of services, including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Elementary Youth Program Specialist to join our Youth and Education team in supporting newcomer students from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. As a Youth Program Specialist, you will play a vital role in providing educational and enrichment opportunities to help school-aged youth catch up on missed education, adjust to their new school, accelerate English language development, and build positive relationships in the school and community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning, preparation, and facilitation of afterschool and push-in Ready to Read programs, Mid-winter Break and Spring Break Camps, and summer enrichment programs for elementary students.
• Collaborate with the Youth Program Coordinator and Senior Youth Program Specialist in curriculum development, lesson planning, and designing lesson activities that cater to various levels of English language development.
• Plan and lead large and small group activities and lessons in English literacy, math, art, recreation, and social-emotional learning with K-5 students.
• Provide 1:1 support to students needing more individualized instruction.
• Facilitate effective processes, including attendance records, inclusive and trauma-informed classroom management, distribution and collection of learning materials, and health and sanitation procedures.
• Participate in program outreach and enrollment by contacting families at school buildings or events to explain IRC's youth programs, answer questions, and assist families in completing program enrollment forms.
• Provide academic support and guidance for newcomer students at partnering schools during the school day through small pull-out groups or push-in support during large group classroom instruction.
• Create safe and healing learning spaces and build supportive relationships with newcomer students utilizing a trauma-informed approach to support students' academic success and social-emotional development.
• Participate in program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the IRC team.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Teaching, Child Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience working with elementary-age students, including classroom teaching experience or experience in tutoring or academic enrichment programs.
• Experience working with multilingual students.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English; professional proficiency in relevant languages (e.g., Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Kinyarwanda) is highly desired.
• Cross-cultural experience and connection to communities from refugee and/or immigrant backgrounds.
• Proficiency in utilizing online platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with trauma-informed approaches and restorative practices.
• Familiarity with educational software and technology.
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs.

What We Offer

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $26 - $29 per hour.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • 10 sick days.
  • 10 US holidays.
  • 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure).
  • Medical insurance starting at $145 per month.
  • Dental starting at $7 per month.
  • Vision starting at $5 per month.
  • FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs.
  • 403b retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3-year vesting).
  • Disability and life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.

Work Environment and Culture:

• Primarily work in elementary schools in Tukwila, Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way.
• Some remote or office work required at IRC's office in SeaTac, WA.
• Flexible to shift to virtual programming if necessary.
• Occasional evening or weekend activities as needed.
• Access to reliable high-speed internet from remote office or ability to work from IRC's office in SeaTac.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel and work off-site at programs in schools.

Why Join Us?

At the IRC, we are 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. As a Youth Program Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of refugee and immigrant youth, supporting their educational and personal growth.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated individual ready to contribute to a thriving team, we encourage you to apply now! Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity further.