Refugee Youth Summer Academy Peer Mentor
Position: Newcomer Youth Summer Academy Peer Mentor
Reports to: Operations Specialist, Classroom Teachers
Position Term: Training: July 25th-29th, 9:00am – 3:00pm;
Program: August 2 – August 19, Morning or Afternoon Shift: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm OR Monday-Thursday 12:00pm-3:00pm; AND Fridays 9:00am – 3:00pm
This is an UNPAID opportunity.
Background:
Since 2011, the IRC has resettled hundreds of refugee youth to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 140 refugee students enrolled in various districts across Union and Hudson County, with new students arriving each month. IRC’s youth program works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students. The Education and Learning Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee and immigrant youth, their parents and families, and their schools.
Scope of Work:
In August 2022, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in Hudson and Union County, NJ. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in eight classes, from at least 10 countries. Students will engage in ESL, creative arts, sports, field trips, and other activities. RYSA Peer Mentors will work closely with the ESL Lead Teachers, clinical psychology doctoral students to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment.
Peer Mentors support the students' academic and social emotional growth during the Academy. Peer Mentors will be placed with one class of students for the duration of the Academy, supporting all Classroom Teachers to ensure productive and enriching lessons and to serve as positive role models for students.
Strong preference for those who can work full days 9:00am-3:00pm. From Monday to Thursday, Peer Mentors work either the morning shift (9:00am to 12:00pm) or the afternoon shift (12:00pm to 3:00pm). On Fridays, all Peer Mentors work the full day (9:00am to 3:00pm) to support students and staff on field trips.
Major Responsibilities:
- Complete all staff training prior to the start of the program, as well as all program meetings and staff development activities thereafter
- Model appropriate student behavior and academic engagement with the Academy students at all times
- Assist teachers and staff with various classroom activities and lessons on a daily basis
- Tutor students individually or in small groups at the direction of the teacher
- Assist in supervision of daily student meals and student arrival/dismissal
- Assist teachers and staff with whole school community building activities and field trips
- Act as a positive role model for students
- Assist teachers and staff with classroom management
- Complete all staff evaluation
- Other tasks as assigned by Classroom Teachers and Academy staff
Requirements:
- Minimum age: rising high school senior
- Ability to work well with people of diverse cultural backgrounds
- Knowledge of classroom procedures; health and safety precautions a plus.
- Experience working with children and/or peers highly desired
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong team player who is self-directed
- Mature, reliable, flexible, and punctual
- Fluency in written and spoken English required. Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Spanish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Arabic)
- Must be available for all training days and for the entire duration of the program. No exceptions.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.