Participant Support & Learning Specialist

AFS-USA is part of a worldwide network of AFS partner organizations that work together to advance global education and foster meaningful connections across cultures. As the network’s largest partner, AFS-USA works to increase the global competency of U.S. citizens by providing a variety of international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities. We are proud of our staff from our national office in New York City as well as home offices across the county, who collaborate with our more than 2,000 AFS-USA Volunteers to deliver high quality programs and global education resources. These include immersion-based study abroad experiences in over 40 countries worldwide; opportunities to host foreign AFS exchange students; and global learning workshops and curricula for educator, schools and businesses.

The Participant Support & Learning Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, well‑being, and intercultural learning experience of AFS participants. This position provides direct support to both hosting and sending programs, works closely with volunteers and partner offices worldwide, and helps strengthen the capacity of area teams to address participant, host family, and stakeholder needs throughout the program cycle.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in reviewing cases and planning/drafting responses when dissatisfaction with the AFS program has been expressed by a stakeholder.
• Assist volunteers to ensure that appropriate steps are taken with participants, host families, schools and/or any other parties as necessary to resolve issues.
• Keep partner offices informed of cases involving participants and provide all necessary reporting and documentation.
• Maintain accurate participant records, placement updates, liaison assignments, and move documentation in AFS-USA systems.
• Act as a primary on-call Duty Officer on a rotating basis (evenings, weekends, and holidays).

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree required in any of the following or related fields: International Affairs, Social Work, Psychology, International Education, Global and Cultural Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Adolescent Health and Education.
• Master's Degree a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication and strong analytical problem-solving skills required
• Experience as a volunteer or working with volunteers preferred
• Experience supervising others and leading group training sessions

WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• AFS USA work hours are generally from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday EST; however, given the nature of this position and the necessity to work closely with volunteers, the specific schedule of this role will be discussed with the hiring manager.
• U.S. candidates considered.

SALARY:

• $62,400 per annum plus benefits

NON-DISCRIMINATION/ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

AFS-USA is committed to a discrimination-free work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Employment with AFS-USA is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including behavior which targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics.

APPLY:

Please note that only completed applications will be considered. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact our HR Department at hr@afsusa.org. Only online applications will be accepted.