The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
This job posting was opened on 4/03/25. Please note that we will be prioritizing candidates who are current IRC (and recently employed by IRC) staff before other applicants. If necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.
Background:
The International Rescue Committee is New Jersey’s largest refugee resettlement organization, serving over 2000 refugees and immigrants each year with resettlement, economic empowerment, education and learning and immigration legal services. The IRC in NJ’s youth program started in 2012 and works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 245+ refugee and humanitarian parolee students enrolled in nearly 20 school districts.
Scope of Work:
In July & August 2025, the IRC in New Jersey will host a four-week summer program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) enrichment for refugee youth living in northern New Jersey. The Newcomer Youth Summer Academy (NYSA) will serve up to 130 students ages 5 – 20, in ten classes, from at least 10 countries will participate in academic, creative arts, and recreational activities. Field trips will be held once per week. The Activity Facilitators will work closely with Lead Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Peer Mentors, and other RYSA staff to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment.
At all grade levels (kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12) Activity Facilitators will develop, implement, and supervise activities such as art, music, dance, yoga, etc. The specialty area will be determined based upon the candidate’ area of expertise. Each Activity Facilitator is expected to implement a culturally and age-appropriate activity for a class of approximately 15 students for approximately 30-50 minutes, infusing principles from the IRC Safe Healing and Learning Spaces model. Given the varied English levels and formal education experiences of the student body, the Yoga Activity Facilitator must be flexible and comfortable with using various methods for engaging with English Language Learners (ELLs). Throughout their specialized activity, facilitators will be expected to contribute to the program’s goals of fostering students’ English competence and social-emotional development.
Candidates will be working with a variety of class levels. All applicants must be experienced in their specialty area.
Major Responsibilities:
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Participate in Youth Summer Staff training in late July/early August and all program meetings
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Ensure the activity environment is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive to refugee students
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With input from the Education Specialist and Youth Coordinator, implement a culturally and age-appropriate specialized activity using student centered teaching methodologies for English Language Learners at all school levels.
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Act as a positive role model for students and staff
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Comply with all agency policies and protocols
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Productively incorporate assistant teacher and classroom volunteers into activity instruction
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Facilitate student projects per class throughout the three-week program to be presented to families upon the conclusion of programming during RYSA graduation
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Experience leading activities such as Yoga to youth, experience with a range of ages (K-12) preferred
Job Requirements:
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A minimum of two years facilitating Yoga classes, to youth specifically preferred
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Trauma-informed training in field preferred
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Experience working with diverse ELL students preferred
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Cultural competence and cross-cultural or overseas experience desirable
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Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations desirable
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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Second language proficiency in relevant language highly desirable (including Spanish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Swahili)
Working Environment:
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Monday-Thursday, the program will be held on-site at a university contracted space (previously Kean University).
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Option to travel to field trips on Fridays
Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
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Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
