SFI Youth and Family Advocate

POSITION: SFI Youth and Family Advocate JOB CLASSGRADE: Specialist 1 Grade 8 WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS: Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center - 8040 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97213, typically within PPS, Parkrose School, and DDS Districts across Multnomah County FTE; FTPT; STATUS : 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1) APPLY AT: STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S): Successful Families Initiative (SFI), IRCO Youth (Funded until June 30, 2025 - Contract continuation variable) SECTOR: School Linked REQUIREMENTS: Bilingual in English and ArabicExperience working with youth under 18Must pass school background checkMust possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hoursThis job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Program SummaryThe Successful Families Initiative (SFI) aims to place children of color on a path to self-sufficiency in Multnomah County by increasing academic achievement and school readiness for these populations through systems change efforts and providing culturally specific and responsive services.Position SummaryThe SFI Youth and Family 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 support up to 35 school-aged youth and after-school academic group activities up to 4 times per week. Academic Advising includes: regular goal setting regarding academics, school attendance, engaging students in academic programming after-school, regularly communicating with school staff and parents regarding student progress and challenges, regular bilingualbicultural school to home and home to school communication. In addition, this position will conduct bi-monthly parent communications about student academic and behavioral progress and monthly parent group activities during the school year. This position is expected to use creative and culturally appropriate approaches with students and families when designing and implementing program activities. The SFI Youth and Family Advocate will also build positive relationships with families, school staff and IRCO colleagues, and work closely with Program Coordinator to meet program goals and objectives.Essential FunctionsEngage up to 35 API youth in culturally specific academic advising: developing individualized student plan, academic goal setting, track student academic progress and attendance, follow-up with studentsfamiliesstaff as needed and conduct family engagement around student progresschallenges, and regular communication with school staffDesign, implement, and conduct academic student group activities during the school year and summerAdminister pre and post academic assessments for all program participantsCollaborate with program coordinator to build culturally relevant curriculum to address identified academic gapsWork closely with school administration and staff to identify families in need of support and provide outreach to these familiesProvide individualized support, resource development, and referral services to familiesPerform client intake and assessmentProvide school-linked family support including bilingualbicultural school to home and home to school communicationWork collaboratively with IRCO and school staff to engage parents in their school environment in a positive and meaningful wayConduct family support activities such as home visits, and intensive phone outreach to update parents on their children's educational progressProvide parent educational activities around key school topics, including, school programs and school policies, academic programs, learning in the home, and problem solving.Archive student academic lesson plansfamily group and workshop lessons plansPlan and chaperone program outings and fieldtrips in accordance with standard proceduresMaintain accurate and confidential records on each client, including intakeassessment information, actionservice plans, hours of service, and all contacts and referrals madeProvide translation and interpretation for families throughout the case processResponsible for compiling monthly reports and data collection for contract reporting purposesMaintain cooperative external relationships with collaborative agencies, volunteer agencies, community and general public as authorizedParticipate in staff meetings, training, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO's goalsWork with school staff to provide training and information on culture, especially as it relates to youth and family engagementSecondary FunctionsAttend program, departmental, and organizational meetingsAttend mandatory staff trainings RequirementsEducation & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associate's DegreeMinimum one (1) year supporting student learning individually and in group settingsMinimum 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, andor Reynolds School DistrictsMinimum two (2) years working with and relating to families including, experience in community andor parent organizingKnowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee cultures and local populationsBilingual in English and ArabicAbility to communicate clearly about sensitive information and explain school systems in both English and a second languageKnowledge of emergency, social, and human services, as well as the information and referral system.Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPointExperience and ability to work in a multi-cultural environmentComfortable working remotely via online teleconferencing platforms like Zoom PREFERRED 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 social services, or related field, or equivalent experienceMinimum one (1) year supporting student learning individually and in-group settingsMinimum 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 andor Reynolds School DistrictsMinimum two (2) years working with and relating to families including experience in community andor parent organizingKnowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee cultures and local populationsAbility to communicate clearly about sensitive information and explain school systems in both English and a second languageKnowledge of emergency, social, and human services, as well as the information and referral system.Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPointExperience and ability to work in a multi-cultural environmentPhysical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsCommunication: Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual informationCreativity: Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is neededMental: 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 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 neededImpact and Influence: Minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Dollar amounts influenced would be considered small. Responsibility for the prudent use of assets does not extend beyond own work responsibilities.Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approvalPlanning: 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.Environment: This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, temperature changeSchedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesPositions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient andor train new employees or volunteers.Salary Description Starting at $48,600 per year

Created: 2025-03-05