Slavic Youth Advocate

WAGE: $33,990 – $36,060 per year

LOCATION: Remote support at various PPS schools

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): RESJ WAS and MSM-PCI

REPORTS TO: RESJ WAS and MSM-PCI Program Coordinators

OPENING DATE: March 31, 2021

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

REQUIREMENTS: Bilingual in Russian, Ukrainian, Belarussian or other language commonly

spoken by program participants

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Youth 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 staff is responsible for providing academic support for

middle school and/or high school-aged youth, supporting remote learning, leading after-school

academic and enrichment activities, leading youth group activities that foster positive cultural

identity, and assisting with resource referral and navigation. Academic Advising includes regular

goal setting around academics, school attendance, engaging students in academic

programming after-school and online, regularly communicating with school staff and parents

around student progress and challenges, regular bilingual/bicultural school to home and home

to school communication. In addition, Youth Advocate will communicate with parents about

student academic and behavioral progress and assist with school-to-home/home-to-school

communications. This position is expected to use creative and culturally appropriate

approaches with students and families when designing and implementing program activities,

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 Slavic Immigrant and Refugee 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 and tutoring 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 general public as authorized

• Participate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support

IRCO’s goals

• Work with school staff to provide training and information on culture, especially as it

relates to youth and family engagement

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Attend program, departmental and organizational meetings
• Attend mandatory staff trainings

JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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, Parkrose and/or Reynolds School Districts

• 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 core program languages
• 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
• Comfortable working remotely via online teleconferencing platforms like Zoom

KNOWLEDGE:
Education: High School or GED (1)

Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)

Licensure, Certification: N/A

Additional Language Required: Bilingual in Russian, Ukrainian, Belarussian or other language

commonly spoken by program participants.

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. In addition this position specifically requires: supporting caregivers with online

learning platforms used by schools, and communicating with families and IRCO teams via

remote conferencing platforms.

SKILLS:Communication:
Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual

information (3)

Creativity:
Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is needed (2)

EFFORT:Mental:
There is minimal variation in tasks. The job holder is free to determine in which order tasks are

completed, but cannot choose to not complete a task (2)

Physical:
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 needed (2)

RESPONSIBILITY:Impact and Influence:
Positions at this level have a some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make

decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to and influence on

organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes. (3)

Work Independence:
Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making

decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with

a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review. (3)

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:
There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered. Job conditions are occasionally

uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, or interactions with people

experiencing crisis (3)

Schedule:
The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice. (2)

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are accessible on the IRCO website, www.irco.org. This position requires the

completion of an IRCO application. Attach resume and cover letter to IRCO application form and

submit to [email protected]. Materials submitted without a completed application are considered

incomplete and will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will

not be able to contact each applicant or return calls regarding the status of your application.

ABOUT IRCO:
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization

established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland,

Oregon. Our mission is to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community

at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society. Find out more at

www.irco.org.

IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER