SFI Youth and Family Advocate

POSITION : SFI Youth and Family Advocate JOB CLASS / GRADE : Specialist 1 / Grade 8 WAGE : Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience FLSA; EEO; WC : Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS : IRCO Africa House - 709 NE 102nd Ave Portland OR 97220, school locations typically within DDSD like Ron Russell MS, Mill Park ES, & other locations across Multnomah County as assigned FTE; FT / PT; STATUS : 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular NUMBER OF POSITIONS : (1) APPLY AT : www.irco.org STATUS : Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S) : Successful Families Initiative (SFI) (Funded until June 30, 2025 - Contract continuation variable) SECTOR : School Linked REQUIREMENTS : Bilingual in English and Somali. Additional language preferences include Swahili and May May.Experience working with youth under 18Must pass school background checkMust possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto- insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hoursThis job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Program Summary The Successful Families Initiative (SFI) aims to place children of color on a path to self-sufficiency in Multnomah County by increasing academic achievement and school readiness for these populations through systems change efforts and providing culturally specific and responsive services.Position SummaryThe SFI Youth and Family Advocate will work with IRCO's youth staff, SUN site managers, school administrators and school staff to build positive relationships and engage students and their families in their school environments in a culturally appropriate way. The SFI Youth and Family Advocate will work closely with program colleagues, Program Coordinator and Supervisor to meet program goals and objectives. This position will provide academic advising and conduct after-school group skill building activities 2 times per week during the school year. The number of youth on caseload is 30. Academic advising and meaningful engagement with students include regular goal setting to support academics & school attendance, enrolling and facilitating students in after school and summer academic / enrichment activities, collaborating with school staff and parents to support student progress and troubleshoot challenges for students on caseload. The SFI Youth and Family Advocate will conduct bi-monthly parent engagement activities including communication about student academic and behavioral progress and quarterly parent group activities during the school year. The SFI Youth and Family Advocate is expected to use creative and culturally appropriate approaches with students and families when designing and implementing program activities.Essential FunctionsEngage up to 30 African Immigrant / Refugee youth in culturally specific academic advising : developing individualized student plan, academic goal setting, track student academic progress and attendance, follow-up regularly with students / families / school staff about case plan and conduct family engagement around student progress / challengesDesign, implement, and conduct academic student group activities during the school year and summerCollaborate with program coordinator, supervisor or other youth staff to build culturally relevant curriculum to address identified academic gapsWork closely with school administration and staff to identify families in need of support and provide outreach to these familiesProvide individualized support, resource development, and referral services to familiesPerform client intake and assessmentWork collaboratively with school staff, community partners and IRCO colleagues to engage parents in their school environment in a positive and meaningful wayConduct family support activities such as home visits, and intensive phone outreach to update parents on their children's educational progressProvide parent educational activities around key school topics, including, school programs and school policies, academic programs, learning in the home, and problem solvingOrganize, file and / or archive student academic lesson plans / family group and workshop lessons plans using IRCO / Youth Division systems including SharePoint, CRM and other methods employed by the programPlan and chaperone program outings and fieldtrips in accordance with procedures and guidelines in place to facilitate such activitiesMaintain accurate and confidential records on each client, including intake / assessment information, action / service plans, hours of service, and all contacts and referrals madeProvide translation and interpretation for families throughout the case process as neededResponsible for compiling monthly reports and data collection for contract reporting purposesMaintain cooperative external relationships with collaborative agencies, volunteer agencies, community and general public as authorizedParticipate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO's and Program's goalsWork with school staff to provide training and information on culture, especially as it relates to youth and family engagement RequirementsEducation & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS : Minimum one (1) year supporting student learning individually and in group settingsAssociate degree or equivalent in social services, or related field, or equivalent experienceMinimum 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, Parkrose, and / or Reynolds School DistrictsMinimum two (2) years working with and relating to families including, experience in community and / or parent organizingKnowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee cultures and local populationsBilingual in English and Somali. Additional language ability in Maay Maay and Swahili desiredAbility to communicate clearly about sensitive information and explain school systems in both English and a second language spoken by program participantsKnowledge of emergency, social, and human services, and referral systems to access such servicesProficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPointExperience and ability to work in a multi-cultural environmentPhysical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsCommunication : Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual information Creativity : Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is neededMental : There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completedPhysical : Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is neededImpact and Influence : Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes.Work Independence : Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approvalPlanning : 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.Environment : This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.Schedule : The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesPositions 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.What We OfferIRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff : Many flexible working arrangements and scheduleAmazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the worldWork that helps your community 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 3% match for student loans or college savings 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating HolidayMedical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductiblesEmployer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance Flexible spending accountRequired EngagementEngage fully in DEIB training, recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO values and DEIB initiatives, such as active membership in an affinity group and / or joining a strategic plan workgroup.How To ApplyComplete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal : IRCO Application for Employment. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers . For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO's main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.Salary Description Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

Salary : $48,600