Slavic Youth And Family Advocate

Job Type
Part-time
Description
STATUS: On-Call/Casual Position (12 hours) - temporary
SCHEDULE: Varies, at least 12 hours per week.
PROGRAM(S): INSPIRE, IRCO Youth Program
OPENING DATE: January 22, 2024
CLOSING DATE: January 29, 2024
LANGUAGE: Bilingual in English & Russian, Ukrainian or other language commonly spoken by program participants
OTHER: Works with youth under 18
DRIVING: Required
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Youth and Family Advocate will work with IRCO's youth staff, SUN site coordinators, and staff from various schools to engage students and their families in their school environments in a positive and culturally appropriate way. This position is responsible for providing academic support up to 15 school-aged Youth and after-school academic group activities up to 4 times per week. Academic Advising includes regular goal setting regarding academics, school attendance, engaging students in academic programming after-school, regularly communicating with school staff and parents regarding student progress and challenges, regular bilingual/bicultural school to home and home to school communication. In addition, this position will conduct bi-monthly parent communications about student academic and behavioral progress and monthly parent group activities during the school year. This position is expected to use creative and culturally appropriate approaches with students and families when designing and implementing program activities. As well as build positive relationships with families, school staff and IRCO colleagues, and work closely with Program Coordinator to meet program goals and objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Engage up to 15 youth in culturally specific academic advising: developing individualized student plan, academic goal setting, track student academic progress and attendance, follow-up with students/families/staff as needed and conduct family engagement around student progress/challenges, regular communication with school staff.
• Design, implement and conduct academic student group activities during the school year and summer.
• Administer pre and post academic assessments for all program participants.
• Collaborate with program coordinator to build culturally relevant curriculum to address identified academic gaps.
• Work closely with school administration and staff to identify families in need of support and provide outreach to these families.
• Provide individualized support, resource development, and referral services to families.
• Perform client intake and assessment.
• Provide school-linked family support including bilingual/bicultural school to home and home to school communication.
• Work collaboratively with IRCO and school staff to engage parents in their school environment in a positive and meaningful way.
• Conduct family support activities such as home visits, and intensive phone outreach to update parents on their children's educational progress.
• Provide parent educational activities around key school topics such as: school programs and school policies, academic programs, learning in the home, and problem solving.
• Archive student academic lesson plans/ family group and workshop lessons plans.
• Plan and chaperone program outings and fieldtrips in accordance with standard procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records on each client, including intake/assessment information, action/service plans, hours of service, and all contacts and referrals made.
• Provide translation and interpretation for families throughout the case process.
• Responsible for compiling monthly reports and data collection for contract reporting purposes.
• Maintain cooperative external relationships with collaborative agencies, volunteer agencies, community, and public as authorized.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO's goals.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, and have a strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments.
• Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Positively deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employees in an effective manner.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to clients.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Bilingual in English and Russian/Ukrainian.
• Strong intercultural communication skills within the community.
• Communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by telephone to individuals and groups.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with persons outside of the organization.
• Listen for understanding and assist in problem solving, and prepare clear, accurate concise reports.
• Must be punctual, maintain a good attendance record, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients and customers.
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and personal computer.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use computer terminal for long periods of time. Also work in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours.

Requirements
JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in social services, counseling, or related field
• Minimum one (1) year supporting student learning individually and in group settings.
• Minimum one (1) year of working within a school or school district and supporting family navigation of school systems and policies, preferably within Portland Public, David Douglas and/or Reynolds schools.
• Minimum two (2) years working with and relating to families including experience in community and/or parent organizing.
• Knowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee cultures and local populations.
• Bilingual in English and one of the following languages: Russian, Ukrainian
• Ability to communicate clearly about sensitive information and explain school systems in both English and a second language.
• Knowledge of emergency, social, and human services, as well as the information and referral system.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point
• Experience and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

KNOWLEDGE:
Education: Bachelor's Degree (4)
Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)
Additional Language Required: Russian, Ukrainian
Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
SKILLS:
Communication:
Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual information (3)
Creativity:
Regular need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed (3)
EFFORT:
Mental:
There is minimal variation in tasks. The job holder is free to determine in which order tasks are completed, however cannot choose to not complete a task (2)
Physical:
Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks (1)
RESPONSIBILITY:
Impact and Influence:
Minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Dollar amounts influenced would be considered small. Responsibility for the prudent use of assets does not extend beyond own work responsibilities. (2)
Work Independence:
Encouraged to suggest ways for handling these but are not granted the latitude to take final action. (2)
Planning:
Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. (2)
Supervision:
Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers. (1)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment:
This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, temperature change (2)
Schedule:
The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice. (2)
ABOUT IRCO:
IRCO's mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Our vision is a future where all refugees and immigrants belong, our staff are nurtured, and all communities thrive.
Founded in 1976 by refugees for refugees, IRCO has over 40 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant communities in the Portland metropolitan area, and over five years in Eastern Oregon. IRCO is the largest provider of employment services and job training for newly arrived refugees in Oregon; and we support families at every stage of their lives from the time they arrive in Oregon. Find out more at www.irco.org .
IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER