Youth Services Specialist

Youth Services Specialist
Job Description Summary:
Bridge Refugee Services (BRS) is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Youth Services Specialist. The Youth Services Specialist (YSS) will be responsible for assisting students and their families by providing academic support, mentoring, and advocacy. This position will provide school support as well as educational services to client youth, including preschoolers and K-12 students, and their families in East Tennessee. The YSS works with both clients new to the Bridge service area and those who have been in the US for five years or fewer. Services include serving as a client family advocate by ensuring families receive daycare enrollments, school orientations for parents and students, truancy education, social adjustment resources, mental and physical health resources, teacher/parent communication options, and other school-related needs as families become acquainted with the school system in the United States. The YSS will help caregivers seeking early childhood education and resources, conducting education-focused outreach to develop and maintain relevant community partnerships, and organizing and developing educational orientations and workshops for youth, families, and education personnel. The essential function of the position is to provide student and parent support while interfacing with schools and the community.

Current funding for this position comes from the Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG) of the Tennessee Office of Refugees (TOR). This position reports to the Youth Services Coordinator.

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Occasional evening, weekend, or off-site field work arise based on organizational needs. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Notable Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing parent workshops and supports family academic, social emotional, and developmental building activities.
• Assist clients families with pre-school age children in navigating early education learning opportunities including the scheduling of daycare tours, applications, and assistance with TANF voucher systems and Head Start.
• Assist in offering training to local schools to better support the success of refugee students and their families.
• Assist in conducting cultural orientation regarding the US school system for newcomers.
• Assist in serving as a liaison between local schools and client families.
• Assist in encouraging parents to participate in the child’s academic success with attendance at school functions or special events to increase involvement in the classroom.
• Assist in coordinating transportation and logistics for refugee families and participants as needed for school engagements.
• Assist fellow team members by following up on referrals by case managers, teachers, and other community partners for students and young adults seeking services.
• Attend meetings, training, workshops and conferences as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Assist eligible clients with other relevant benefits and services.
• Maintain regular communication with clients during the program.
• Coordinate closely with other Bridge staff members serving the client.
• Request volunteer assistance as needed.
• Maintain proper documentation of services provided to clients, especially case notes.
• Produce required reports on time.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and community outreach events as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Education, Social Work, International Studies, or a related field
• fluency in the English language
• experience in a social or human services environment, or significant cross-cultural experience
• preference for candidates who speak Arabic, Spanish, or Ukranian
• preference for candidates who have case management or related social services experience
• preference for candidates with experience working effectively with interpreters
• strong communication and problem-solving skills
• familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, and data entry software
• ability to work well with a team, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks
• ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• valid TN driver’s license and transportation

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• ability to frequently sit for lengthy periods of time and to lift up to 40 lbs

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Supervisor:
Youth Services Coordinator

Salary:
$40,000/year, paid semi-monthly

How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to Marina Peshterianu at mpeshterianu@bridgerefugees.org. BRS will only invite pre-selected candidates for an interview.