Student Support Specialist

International Rescue Committee•Abilene, TX

About The Position

The Student Support Specialist works with refugee students, parents, case work staff, and the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) to coordinate academic and civic integration and promote academic success for refugee students newly arrived in Abilene. The position provides educational case management and coaching, connects students and families with academic and social support, and plans and facilitates group-based student programming, including Spring Break and Summer Academy activities. The role also supports volunteer mentors, coordinates with colleagues across youth programs and the office, and maintains program records and reporting in accordance with IRC standards and contractual obligations. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. Compensation is $20.70 per hour. The role may require occasional weekend and evening work and hours that allow meetings with middle and high school students outside school hours.

Requirements

Experience working with at-risk youth, specifically in educational and social programs.
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 middle and high school students outside school hours.
Commitment to IRC’s values and professional standards, including safeguarding 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.
Demonstrated understanding of the U.S. education system.
Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

Responsibilities

Assess refugee students’ educational backgrounds, identify barriers to academic success, and develop individualized educational service plans.
Develop academic support service plans with parents of students enrolled in the program.
Orient newly arrived students and parents to the U.S. education system and AISD regulations; this responsibility is shared by two staff members.
Connect refugee students with tutoring resources.
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 line 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 program outcome documentation.
Collect and enter program data consistently 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 provide wraparound support to families across departments.
Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator to recruit mentors.
Ensure referrals across programs are followed up.
Provide expertise and support to other youth programs and office teams on youth and family needs.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave days.
10 U.S. holidays.
20–25 paid time off days, 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 commuter expenses.
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 and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.