AmeriCorps Youth Futures Associate (NDMVA)

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AmeriCorps Youth Futures Associate (NDMVA)

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 25,000 refugees from nearly 55 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in Georgia, the IRC in Atlanta resettles an average of 800 refugees into Georgia annually and provides additional services and assistance to another 3,000 refugees and asylees.

SCOPE OF NEW YOUTH FUTURES PROGRAM INTERN WORK: The IRC’s Youth Futures Program addresses specific social and academic needs surrounding refugee and asylee youth through an afterschool program, summer camp, and student internships. Focused on academics, the after-school program helps students with their homework and school projects every school day. During summer break, the youth program offers an internship program, which introduces youth to the American workplace and helps them discover more about their own goals, and a summer camp, which provides cultural, learning, social, and specific skill-building opportunities. The hours for this position are between 10:00am and 6:00pm.

PLEASE NOTE : This position is a Notre Dame Mission Volunteer (NDMV) AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps oversight will be conducted through NDMV of Atlanta, and the IRC will serve as a site placement. For more information about NDMV, please visit http://www.ndmva.org. Upon interview and selection by the IRC, the candidate will need to complete the AmeriCorps application process through the NDMV site liaison. This position start date is September 1, 2016.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist high school refugee youth with homework
• Assist staff youth counselors with program logistics
• Compile and update secondary and post-secondary resources and contacts
• Assist youth with writing resumes and searching for part-time/summer jobs
• Assist in the development and implementation of youth cultural orientation sessions at the DeKalb International Student Center
• Maintain relationships with DeKalb County School System administrators, teachers, and staff
• Plan and prepare for Youth Futures events, especially Spring Break and Summer Program activities
• Develop and implement College Bound workshops targeting juniors and seniors; assist with scholarship applications, SAT prep, and college applications

• Support the mentorship program, including, recruitment, placement and nurturing mentor relationships.
• Provide other program and general administrative support as needed, such as documentation and file maintenance
• Assist in curriculum development during school holidays and breaks
• Cross-train and gain teaching experience with adult ESOL and cultural orientation classes in order to holistically understand students’ backgrounds and community.
• Support the implementation and development of new program structures.
• Research community resources to support youth’s academic, vocational, and social needs.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintain a positive learning environment. Facilitate student learning activities that encourage collaboration and positive peer relationships.
• Monitor progress towards achieving goals and objectives.
• Share knowledge and resources with Education & Learning staff members that enhance learning opportunities for clients.
• Document student progress by keeping accurate and up-to-date attendance records, case notes, assessment data, program participant surveys, and observation of student progress.
• Assist Education & Learning staff in the preparation of monthly (quantitative and narrative) reports and analysis of progress towards program goals.
• Maintain open and effective communication with the Education & Learning team members and case work staff. Report regularly on client attendance, program activities, student progress and any problems or concerns with clients or program.
• Train and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Actively participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
• An interest in international and refugee issues
• Experience working with youth and/or young adults is preferred
• Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects
• Strong desire to help people and enthusiasm for working in a multi-cultural setting
• Computer literacy, preferably with PC systems
• Must be confident with public speaking and taking the initiative.
• Must be comfortable accompanying the Education and Learning staff on home visits.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle is beneficial

The 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 or disability.