Virtual Empower Afterschool Tutor

Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.
 

Scope of Work: The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learners among newcomer refugee youth who have been settled in New Jersey. Beginning with in-person training sessions in September volunteer tutors will work with refugee youth virtually to improve English Language
Acquisition/Learning. Tutors are academic coaches and positive role models who want to help IRC youth succeed in school. Tutors are not people who are expected to receive, give, or loan money.

Desired Qualities:
• Passionate about helping youth reach their potential
• Flexible, patient, and empathetic
• Critical thinking skills
• Committed, dependable, and punctual
• Creative; has a sense of fun
• An active listener
• Technologically competent (Ability to use Microsoft/Google forms, virtual educational materials
effectively, and google translate)
• Respectful in a global context around different languages and practices
• Comfortable and aware of youth support needs

Tutor Requirements:
• Attend 1 in-person orientation and training session at the IRC Elizabeth office (2 hours)
• Attend 3 online training modules with IRC HQ (5+ hours)
• Complete and clear a background check
• Proactively communicate with caregivers to schedule virtual tutor sessions
• Have reliable, punctual attendance for virtual tutor sessions with assigned student twice a week
• Interact with global populations effectively and respectfully
Tutor Responsibilities:
• Provide one-on-one individualized virtual tutoring
• Work with assigned student for 90 minutes twice a week for 24 sessions, tutors will engage their assigned student in 30 minutes of ESL homework support/assistance as well as 30 minutes of ESL instruction (speaking, writing, and/or reading activities), with the remaining time allocated for
breaks, rapport building and communication/coordination with caregivers
• Curates a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among students
• Communicate regularly with the Youth Programs Coordinator, Instructional Design Specialist and caregivers regarding scheduling, student progress, tutor support, challenges, etc.

IRC New Jersey Youth Program
• Timely documentation and submission of the Tutor Log within 24 hours of the second tutoring session of the week
• Attend virtual individual and group Tutor Support Check-ins twice a month
• Comply with office policies and program procedures
Additional Desired Competencies:
• Proven ability to build community within individualized sessions and cultivate students' commitment to academic learning
• Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to modify lesson plans to reflect student’s needs and interests (age, grade level, etc.)
• Ability to teach and support the student’s language development in writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills
• Ability to interact with global populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture
• Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates the building of a respectful, trusting, and
collaborative relationship with caregivers
• Multilingual abilities in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, or Pashto