What are the responsibilities and job description for the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Student Support Specialist position at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service?

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Coordinator, the RSI Student Support Specialist will work closely with refugee students, their families, casework staff, and the North East Independent School District (NEISD) teaching and administrative staff to support the academic and civic integration of refugee students new to the San Antonio area. This role is focused on promoting academic success by providing both academic and social support, as well as coaching to help students thrive. The specialist will collaborate with teachers and school staff to ensure effective integration and facilitate group-based programs aimed at enhancing academic skills, social adjustment, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the Student Support Specialist will handle program documentation and reporting to track student progress and program effectiveness.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including :

medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment,
professional development, tuition reimbursement,
generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption / foster care assistance, and
an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

Perform the day-to-day operations of the RSI program to meet contract goals and objectives.

Assess the educational background of refugee students enrolled in the program and determine barriers to academic success.

Develop an individualized educational service plan for each student.

Create an academic support service plan in collaboration with parents of school students enrolled in the program.

Orient newly arrived school students and parents on the U.S. education system and local San Antonio school district regulations.

Connect refugee students with tutoring resources.

Refer refugee students to Global Refuge services or external partners for medical and social support.

Plan group-based student programming schedules and organize logistics.

Develop meeting agendas and lesson plans for group-based student meetings.

Facilitate group-based student meetings and activities in line with program design and lesson plans.

Ensure adherence to safeguarding, safety, and security policies and procedures.

Monitor student attendance and communicate with parents and caregivers regularly.

Provide cultural and refugee-specific training to educational partners.

Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with Global Refuge standards and contractual obligations.

Ensure program participants are properly enrolled and maintain student files, including educational assessments and service plans.

Contribute to program reporting for internal and external purposes.

Coordinate services and activities with Global Refuge RSI team to ensure students receive necessary and timely support.

Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator on recruiting mentors and ensure referrals across programs are followed up.

Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal and organizational objectives and goals.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in education, psychology, or social work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience working with at-risk youth, specifically in educational and social programs is highly preferred.

Understanding of the San Antonio school system highly preferred.

Fluency in one of the key languages used by client populations is preferred (includes but is not limited to : Spanish, Arabic, Dari, French, Swahili).

Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, and database programs.

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot, and follow projects through with attention to detail.

Ability to work as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, including keen listening ability and relationship building.

Must have a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, a clean driving record, and valid insurance and be able to travel locally as required.

Cross-cultural or international experience preferred.

Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Must be willing and able to work in-office 5 days per week.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.

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