Overview
The Student Support Specialist will coordinate academic and civic integration for refugee students new to Abilene, promoting their academic success.
Tasks Summary
- Assess educational background of refugee students and develop individualized educational service plans.
- Develop academic support service plans with parents.
- Orient newly arrived students and parents on the US education system and AISD regulations.
- Connect refugee students with tutoring resources.
- Refer students for medical and social support.
- Provide training and oversight to volunteer mentors.
- Plan and facilitate group-based student programming.
- Ensure adherence to safeguarding, safety, and security policies.
- Monitor student attendance and communicate with parents/caregivers.
- Provide cultural and refugee-specific training to educational partners.
- Maintain program information and data collection systems.
- Ensure program participants are properly enrolled and maintain student files.
- Contribute to program reporting.
- Collaborate and communicate with Youth Programs team members and other office colleagues.
- Collaborate with the volunteer coordinator on recruiting mentors.
- Ensure referrals across programs are followed up.
- Provide support and expertise to other youth programs and office teams.
Experience Requirements
- Experience working with at-risk youth, specifically in the context of educational and social programs.
- Experience in case management and working with refugee and/or immigrant populations highly desirable.
- Demonstrated understanding of the US education system.
Qualification Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in the areas of education, psychology, or social work.
