Student Support Specialist

International Rescue Committee • Abilene, TX

10d

About The Position

The Student Support Specialist works with refugee students, parents, casework staff, and Abilene Independent School District (AISD) to coordinate academic and civic integration and promote academic success for refugee students new to Abilene. The role provides educational case management and coaching, facilitates student programming, supports parents and volunteers, coordinates referrals, and maintains program documentation and reporting. The position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

The specialist collaborates with Youth Programs team members and other office colleagues to provide wraparound support to families, coordinate referrals, recruit mentors with the volunteer coordinator, and provide expertise to other youth programs and office teams. The role may require occasional evening or weekend work and regular travel throughout the service delivery area.

Requirements

• Experience working with at-risk youth, specifically in educational and social programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the U.S. education system.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
• Ability to work hours conducive to meeting with middle and high school students outside of school.
• Commitment to IRC’s professional standards and core values of Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in education, psychology, or social work.
• Experience in case management and working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable.
• Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

Responsibilities

• Assess the educational backgrounds of refugee students enrolled in the program, identify barriers to academic success, and develop individualized educational service plans.
• Develop academic support service plans with parents of participating school students.
• Orient newly arrived school students and parents to the U.S. education system and AISD regulations; this responsibility is split between two staff members.
• Connect refugee students with tutoring resources and refer students to IRC services or external partners for medical and social support as needed.
• Train and oversee volunteer mentors supporting academic coaching and group-based programming.
• Plan group-based student programming schedules and organize logistics.
• Develop meeting agendas and lesson plans.
• Facilitate student group meetings and Spring Break and Summer Academy activities in accordance with program design and activity or lesson plans.
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, safety, and security policies and procedures.
• Monitor student attendance and communicate regularly with parents and caregivers.
• Provide cultural and refugee-specific training to educational partners.
• Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with IRC standards and contractual obligations, and contribute to strengthening program monitoring.
• Ensure participants are properly enrolled and maintain student files, including educational assessments, service plans, case notes, and documentation of program outcomes.
• Ensure program data is consistently collected and entered in ETO in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Contribute to internal and external program reporting.
• Collaborate and communicate with Youth Programs team members and office colleagues to coordinate wraparound support for families across departments.
• Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator on recruiting mentors and ensure referrals across programs are followed up.
• Provide support and expertise to other youth programs and office teams regarding youth and family needs.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 paid sick leave days
• 10 U.S. holidays
• 20–25 days of paid time off based on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
• Dental insurance starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision insurance starting at $5 per month
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting
• Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with three-year vesting
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level