Youth Mentoring Specialist

International Rescue Committee•Richmond, VA

3d•$22 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The Youth Mentoring Specialist supports clients in IRC’s Mentoring Youth in Virginia (MYVA) program to reach their academic, vocational, and social integration goals. MYVA promotes positive civic and social engagement and supports educational and vocational advancement for eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. Youth are selected for the mentorship program based on an initial assessment of needs and goals and are matched with trained, volunteer adult mentors for a minimum of 6 months. In addition to one-on-one coaching with their mentor, program activities include case management, group workshops and enrichment opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
Prior experience providing individualized support to recently arrived immigrant youth strongly preferred.
Prior experience with positive youth development programming, educational support services, and career and vocational training required.
Ability to build strong mentoring relationships with youth and provide guidance while respecting the self-determination of all clients
Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
Must be proactive and feel comfortable in a leadership role.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Fluent in English, both written and spoken; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is a plus.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with volunteers a plus.

Responsibilities

Receive referrals from internal and external partners. Screen, interview, and enroll potential clients for the MYVA program according to program requirements.
Perform case management and individualized education and career coaching services for youth/young adults enrolled in MYVA to develop and implement their individualized program goals.
Plan and implement regular group social and networking events, cultural enrichment activities, and civic and community service activities.
Design and lead career readiness activities on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, networking, job shadowing, and internship opportunities for program participants.
In collaboration with IRC’s Economic Empowerment team, build new and maintain existing partnerships with employers, career building programs, and workforce development organizations as appropriate for youth program participants.
In partnership with IRC volunteer coordinators, recruit, train, and coach volunteer mentors according to needs and goals of MYVA program participants.
Match volunteer mentors with MYVA program participants. Maintain ongoing communications with both mentors and mentees to provide support and guidance, and ensure that progress towards program goals and IRC standards of safeguarding are being met.
In coordination with mentors, school counselors, and others, design and lead workshops and activities to guide youth on college readiness and other post-secondary training and educational opportunities.
Maintain accurate and current data on all enrolled MYVA clients to satisfy recordkeeping and reporting requirements including participation in service activities.
Assist youth enrolled in other IRC Virginia Youth Programs with job placement services as needed.
Provide referrals to other community mentorship and tutoring programs to match youth with additional academic and social supports.
Other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.