Refugee Youth After School Program Intern -Virtual (hybrid)

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PURPOSE AND IMPACT The Catholic Charities Atlanta office of Refugee Resettlement provides numerous support services for newly-arrived refugees. Our Refugee School Impact program is a crucial segment of these services and volunteers play a vital role in sustaining this work with refugee children and youth. Specifically, CCA's Refugee Youth After School Program (ASP) provides academic and social support to 30 mostly second grade students at Indian Creek Elementary in Clarkston, GA. The students recently arrived in the US, are predominantly from Burma, Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, and Nepal, and have been identified by the school as needing additional educational support.

The program runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM every Monday through Thursday during the school year.

This is currently a virtual opportunity until the further notice, but is subject to change.

TRAINING: Specific training for this opportunity is provided by CCA staff prior to the start of the volunteer's service and consists of a standard application process, which includes a background and reference check,

Interns will participate in a 3-hour behavior management training and agency orientation, conducted via Zoom.

Interns must also attend a 3-hour in-person training to promote a safe environment for our kids. This program incorporates best practice standards for the prevention of child sexual abuse.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Establishing positive and appropriate relationships with the refugee children, volunteers and staff in the After School Program. Includes curriculum building and lesson plan facilitation. Additionally, the general responsibilities of this position include the responsibilities shared by all staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Atlanta (CCA). These obligations include understanding and performing in accordance with the values of CCA; endeavoring to provide quality services to clients of CCA; striving to find new, efficient, effective and economical ways to perform tasks; performing job duties in a thorough, accurate and timely manner; cooperating with others in the team; meeting attendance and punctuality standards; conducting business in a professional, courteous and tactful manner; demonstrating respect for the privacy of clients and employees; taking precautions to prevent accidents; and embracing diversity and respect for the cultural differences among clients and other staff.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Model appropriate behavior within an academic setting.
2. Help co-create lesson plans each month during the semester that can be carried out in a virtual learning environment. This will include reading, writing, art, music, games, and academic enrichment (English language development and math skills, among others). Attention should be focused on the students and their specific needs.
3. Must be available at least two days per week in the afternoon hours to provide support for the ASP.
4. Help to spread the world about the work we do at CCA to attract future volunteers, interns, AmeriCorps, etc.
5. Engage or reengage with partner organizations to facilitate two enrichment activities per month.
6. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with refugee children, team of volunteers and staff. Provide assistance to volunteers and team members when needed and appropriate.
7. Collect and maintain accurate documentation for the after school program. This will include recording program attendance and student progress. Produce all necessary reports in a timely and professional manner.
8. Receive training to work with CCA’s case management database. Assist with keeping student files up to date and adding student case notes to the database on a monthly basis.
9. Assist with school orientations and parent-teacher conferences.
10. Organizing, preparing, and participating in monthly snack and material drop offs.

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Refugee Youth Development and After School Program Intern reports to the Coordinator of Refugee Support Services. Task supervision may be provided by the Refugee Support Specialist. Intern is evaluated on performance after the first two weeks of service and again monthly during the tenure.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled bachelor’s level or master’s level student majoring in Education, , Sociology, International Studies, Anthropology, History, Art, Biology, Psychology or related area
• Experience serving children
• Experience with virtual conference platforms (i.e. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.)
• Strong computer/technology skills
• Interest in working with diverse populations
• Sensitivity to vulnerable populations
• Excellent spoken English Language skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Openness to feedback provided by peers and supervisor(s)
• Must be flexible
• Have self-motivation and high initiative
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
• Ability to pay close attention to detail, with strong organizational skills
• Willingness to lead class activities
• Have resources and ability to conduct work remotely (computer, WiFi, etc.)
• Background check is required
• Intern must be oriented and complete an additional three-hour Safe Environment (VIRTUS) training on recognizing and reporting child abuse before beginning service with children.

LOCATIONS:

This is currently a virtual opportunity until further notice.

Indian Creek Elementary

724 North Indian Creek Dr.

Clarkston, GA 30021

DeKalb County School District

Office Work/CCA Office

2305 Park Lake Drive, Suite 150

Atlanta, GA 30345

HOURS & AVAILABILITY: Ideally, interns will be available from October through May and work approximately 14 hours a week between two to four days a week. Specific working hours are negotiable.