The IRC in Spokane seeks a Senior Youth Program Specialist to lead educational initiatives for refugee youth. Hybrid role focused on tutoring, reading clubs, and family engagement. Apply by 6 Mar 2026.
Job Title: Senior Youth Program Specialist
| Organization | International Rescue Committee (IRC) |
| Location | Spokane, Washington (Hybrid) |
| Program | Youth and Education |
| Pay Rate | $25.00 – $27.00 per hour |
| Contract Type | Limited Term (Ends 30 September 2026, renewable) |
| Application Deadline | 06 March 2026 |
Operational Context
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Washington is dedicated to ensuring that youth from refugee and immigrant backgrounds possess the skills and resources necessary to pursue a future of opportunity. Our Youth and Education Program bridges the gap for newcomer students, providing essential support to help them catch up on missed education, accelerate English language acquisition, and navigate the US school system.
We are recruiting a Senior Youth Program Specialist to join our team in Spokane. This is a hands-on role that combines program coordination with direct teaching. You will be responsible for implementing high-quality educational interventions that foster academic success and social-emotional well-being.
Position Mandate
Reporting to the Youth Program Coordinator, you will lead the delivery of afterschool reading clubs, summer enrichment programs, and individualized tutoring. Your mandate is to create safe, healing learning environments where multilingual learners can thrive.
This role requires a versatile educator capable of designing lesson plans, managing volunteers, and engaging parents to support their children’s academic journey. You will act as a primary link between families, schools, and the IRC, ensuring that our services align with district standards and the specific needs of our clients.
Key Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Teaching
- Plan and execute logistics for in-person and virtual educational initiatives, including the Elementary Afterschool Reading Club and summer programming.
- Provide direct instruction to multilingual learners, utilizing IRC curricula to build reading fluency and social-emotional skills.
- Manage student enrollment, track attendance, and maintain accurate program data for reporting purposes.
- Coordinate daily operations, including volunteer oversight, technology setup, and supply distribution.
Individualized Tutoring
- deliver weekly in-home tutoring sessions to a small caseload of families, focusing on English acquisition and homework support.
- Prepare tailored lesson plans that address specific student learning gaps.
- Assist the Program Coordinator with the supervision of community tutors, conducting observations and providing pedagogical feedback to ensure quality instruction.
Family Engagement & Outreach
- Organize workshops and events that empower families to navigate school resources, digital literacy, and graduation pathways.
- Manage event logistics, including the scheduling of interpreters and coordination of guest speakers.
- Conduct community outreach to recruit participants and raise awareness of IRC services.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a dedicated educator with experience in youth development and a strong commitment to supporting displaced populations.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Degree or certification in Education, Teaching, Child Development, or a related field. Alternatively, 2-4 years of relevant professional experience.
- Experience: Proven background in teaching, tutoring, or youth programming. A TESOL certificate is a distinct advantage.
- Cultural Competence: Experience working with refugee or immigrant communities. Proficiency in a relevant language (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Ukrainian) is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Ability to use instructional strategies tailored to individual needs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Teams) is required.
Operational Requirements
- Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours/week). Must be available at least 3 weekdays between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM to accommodate afterschool schedules. Occasional weekend work may be required.
- Mobility: Access to reliable transportation is mandatory for travel throughout the Spokane Public School district.
- Environment: Comfort working in the homes of refugee families is essential.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Rate: $25.00 – $27.00 per hour.
- Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 403b retirement matching, and paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays).
How to Apply
Closing Date: 06 March 2026
To be considered for this position, please submit your application via the IRC careers portal.
The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.