Student Support Specialist (Education)

TL;DR

Student Support Specialist (Education): Coordinating academic support and civic integration for refugee students in Abilene with an accent on educational case management, individualized service planning, and student and parent engagement. Focus on removing barriers to academic success, organizing group programming, coordinating mentors and referrals, and maintaining compliant student data and program records.

Location: Onsite in Abilene, Texas, USA; regular travel throughout the service delivery area is required. Work hours may include evenings and occasional weekends to meet with middle and high school students.

Salary: $20.97–$22.73 per hour, approximately $3,635–$3,940 per month based on full-time hours.

Company

hirify.global is an international humanitarian nongovernmental organization supporting people affected by conflict and disaster through health, safety, education, and economic wellbeing programs.

What you will do

• Assess refugee students’ educational backgrounds, identify barriers to academic success, and develop individualized service plans with students and parents.
• Orient newly arrived students and families to the US education system and Abilene Independent School District regulations.
• Connect students with tutoring, IRC services, and external medical and social support resources.
• Plan and facilitate group-based academic programming, including Spring Break and Summer Academy activities.
• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteer mentors supporting academic coaching programs.
• Maintain student records, attendance data, case notes, outcome documentation, and program reports in accordance with IRC and contractual requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, ideally in education, psychology, or social work.
• Experience working with at-risk youth in educational or social programs.
• Case management experience and experience with refugee or immigrant populations are highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of the US education system and excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and ability to travel regularly throughout the service area.

Nice to have

• Bilingual ability in a predominant language of the local client base.
• Experience providing cultural and refugee-specific training to educational partners.

Culture & Benefits

• Position represented by the OPEIU union and subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Paid sick leave, US holidays, and 20–25 paid time-off days depending on role and tenure.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus healthcare and commuter FSA options.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions.
• Disability and life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and support for employee and family wellbeing.
• Work guided by standards of integrity, service, equality, accountability, safeguarding, and professional conduct.