Family Education Supports (FES) Mentor (Bilingual)

Position Summary: The Family Education Supports (FES) Mentor will work collaboratively with a network of educational and social service partners to help refugee youth and their families succeed in achieving long-term goals and overcoming barriers both inside and outside of school using the Check and Connect mentoring model. The FES Mentor will support and monitor personalized interventions and provide academic motivation for youth participants through weekly in-person, one-on-one meetings with students. The Mentor will engage and partner with students’ parents, families, and school administrators to build constructive family-school relationships and promote whole-family wellbeing.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work with K-12 school staff to identify and recruit eligible new arrival youth participants 
• Complete intake, assessment, and develop individualized goal plans with students 
• Enter student data into multiple databases, maintain accurate case files, and complete detailed case notes in a timely manner 
• Provide culturally and linguistically relevant mentoring and coaching to assist students’ integration into schools and foster partnerships with students that develop motivation to achieve long-term goals 
• Communicate between school staff, parents, and youth to promote parents’ involvement in school activities, student learning and progress, and address individual student-family concerns  
• Identify social/emotional health needs and refer to appropriate resources 
• Identify students exiting the K-12 system and refer them to training programs designed to help youth identify post-secondary and career goals 
• Support student connection to KOM’s tutoring and social work volunteers/interns 
• Support overall KOM organizational goals, including assisting with walk-in clients

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED from an American OR International education institution OR equivalent youth development work experience 
• Able to speak, read and write fluently in English and at least one language spoken by newly arrived refugee communities: Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, or Russian. 
• Experience working directly with youth and demonstrated ability to build relationships with young people 
• Comfortable interacting with all levels of school staff, law enforcement and community organizations 
• Competency using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and database applications 
• Valid MN Driver’s License with proof of insurance and good driving record required.  Must be able and willing to use personal vehicle to transport clients.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Has spent time working in or attending an American educational institution OR can demonstrate deep understanding of the US K-12 and post-secondary education systems 
• Degree/certificate/training in education, child development, social work, or another related program 
• Experience in youth coaching, workforce development, and/or social services 
• Experience with data entry and case management 
• Proven ability to connect with and mentor struggling youth and families from refugee communities

Normal work environment and schedule: 

• This position is full-time (40 hours per week) and paid hourly. The FES Mentor will work full-time hours (8:30AM to 5:00PM). Occasional evening, and weekend hours may be required for appointments, meetings, and special events. 
• Regular travel will be required to off-site education and other partner locations throughout the Twin Cities Metro area where participants are frequenting. Duties outside of one-on-one meetings with clients may be completed at the KOM office or remotely from home. Hybrid work arrangements are subject to change based on KOM’s protocols, the needs of specific roles, and the needs of those that KOM serves. 

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about family education, refugee services, and has the experience needed to lead and support our newly arriving youth.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to humanresources@mnkaren.org.