Background/IRC Summary: Since 1999, the IRC has developed partnerships with New York City public schools, community-based organizations and local colleges and universities to support the positive development of refugee youth and their communities in New York City. The Education and Learning Program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee youth, their parents and families, and their schools. 

Job Overview/Summary: Mini-NYSA is a four day program focusing on preparing newcomer youth to succeed at their grade level in the New York City public school system. Up to 45 students ages 5 - 21 will participate in English Language Arts classes, social emotional learning, and a variety of extracurricular clubs. There will be a field trip on the final day. 

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 Lead Teachers to ensure productive & enriching lessons, and serving as positive role models for youth. 

From Tuesday to Friday, all Peer Mentors work the full day (8:00am to 4:00pm) to support students in both classes and trips. 

Position Term: April 22 nd -26th from 8:00am to 4:00pm. 

 

Major Responsibilities:

  • Participate in all All-Staff orientations and Training days, as well as all program meetings and staff development activities thereafter 
  • Model appropriate student behavior and academic engagement with students at all times 
  • Support and assist teachers and staff with various classroom management activities and academic lessons on a daily basis 
  • Work with students individually or in small groups at the direction of the teacher 
  • Assist in supervision of daily student meals and student attendance 
  • Help supervise and assist teachers and staff with afternoon activities and field trips on Fridays 
  • Act as a positive role model for newcomer youth 
  • Complete all staff evaluations; assist teachers with student assessments 
  • Other tasks as assigned by Lead and Co-Teachers, and NYSA staff as requested 

 

 

Key Working Relationships: 

 

Position Reports to: Youth Partnership and Academy Coordinator and Youth Partnership and Academy Specialist
Position directly supervises: N/A 

Other Internal and/or external contacts: N/A 

 

Job Requirements:

  • Minimum education: completed junior year of high school 
  • Strong team player who is a self-starter and motivated to learn on the job. 
  • Adaptable; able 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; we’re looking for candidates who are comfortable, and more importantly, enjoy working with kids! 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
  • Reliable, flexible, and punctual 
  • Fluency in written and spoken English required. Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Spanish, French, Mandarin, Pashto, Fulani, Dari, Burmese, Farsi, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Tajik) 
  • Must be available for all training days. No exceptions. 

 

 

Working Environment: The Academy takes place at a central location for newcomer communities in Queens, NY. All participants must be able to commute to New York City for the entirety of the Program. 

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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer : 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.