Asian and Pacific Islander Academic Advocate

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (IRCO)

                                            POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

POSITION:                        Asian and Pacific Islander Academic Advocate

WAGE:                             $29,500-32,000 per year with benefits   

LOCATION:                       Various schools (Maximum of 3), IRCO-Asian Family Center        

APPLY AT:                        www.irco.org

STATUS:                           Full Time, non-exempt

SCHEDULE:                      8:30-5:30pm, Monday-Friday. Some evenings and weekends.

PROGRAM(S):                   INSPIRE

OPENING DATE:               08/25/14, Open Until Filled.

LANGUAGES:                   Bilingual in English and an Asian Language (preferred languages include: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Burmese, Karen, and Nepali)

DRIVING:                         Required.

OTHER:                           Works with youth under 18

                                                                                                                   

INTRODUCTIONS

The Asian and Pacific Islander Academic 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 advising to 25-30 fourth to ninth grade youth and after-school academic group activities up to 4 times per week. Academic Advising includes: regular goal setting around academics and school attendance, engaging students in academic programming after-school and in the summer, 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, this staff position will conduct quarterly parent group activities during the school year and summer Also, this staff 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 up to 30 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 to 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/post academic assessments for all program participants.
  • Work closely with school administration and staff to identify families in need of support and outreach to these families.

·  Provide individualized support, resource development, and information/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, 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 field trips 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.

·  Work collaboratively with IRCO's youth staff to recruit, train and supervise volunteers, interns and mentors.

·  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.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position would qualify.  This would typically include:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, social services, counseling or related field
  • Minimum two (2) years of experience working with youth, preferably in a school setting.
  • Minimum one (1) year experience working in an instructional capacity.
  • Minimum one (1) year experience working with and relating to families.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Asian/Pacific Islander-based immigrant cultures and local populations.
  • Bilingual in English and an Asian/Pacific Islander Language (preferred languages include: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Burmese, Karen, Nepali)
  • 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

 

REQUIRED FUNCTIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES- INCLUDE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION:

Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments. Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities. Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employees in an effective manner. Ability to work in a fast paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to clients. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

 

Bilingual in English and an Asian Language (preferred languages include: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Burmese, Karen, and Nepali).  Strong intercultural communication skills within the, API- Asian and Pacific Islander community.  Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone 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. Ability to listen for understanding and assist in problem solving with the ability to prepare clear, accurate and 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. Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours. Ability to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications may be accessed at the IRCO website, www.irco.org or at the IRCO main office, 10301 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR  97220, 503-234-1541. Attach resume and cover letter to IRCO application form.  All positions at IRCO required completion of an IRCO 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