Lead Family Education Support Mentor - Twin Cities

Program & Position Overview

The Lead Family Education Support Mentor position is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Refugee Programs Office (RPO) and provides allowable Refugee Support Services to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)–eligible individuals and families who have been in the United States for less than five (5) years, in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

This senior role provides leadership, mentorship, and support to a cohort of Family Education Support (FES) Mentors serving children (0–5 years), K–12 students, and youth up to age 24 across the Twin Cities Metro Area. The Lead Mentor ensures consistent and high-quality implementation of family education services, works directly with students to support educational success and engagement, monitors program compliance, supports case management, and provides guidance to FES Mentors. All services, outputs, and outcomes must be documented in the MRIS data system, consistent with DHS RPO reporting and compliance standards.

Reporting & Supervision

Reports to: Immigrant & Newcomer Support Services Supervisor and other CAIRO Management Team in accordance with DHS RPO contract requirements

Works Closely With:

• Family Education Support (FES) Mentors
• Students and families enrolled in the program
• Schools, resettlement agencies, and community partners as needed

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Case Management

• Support FES Mentors in managing referrals, eligibility screening, and case assignment.
• Work directly with students to support educational success, engagement, and access to school and community resources.
• Ensure participants are connected with appropriate services in a timely manner.
• Monitor FES Mentors for accurate documentation and MRIS data entry compliance.

Leadership & Peer Support

• Provide mentorship, training, and guidance to FES Mentors.
• Facilitate bi-weekly cohort meetings and virtual/in-person collaboration for FES Mentors.
• Conduct peer file reviews, present data, and provide 1:1 MRIS training to FES Mentors as needed.

Problem-Solving & Resource Sharing

• Serve as the first point of contact for FES Mentors when challenges arise in service delivery.
• Facilitate sharing of tools, resources, and best practices among FES Mentors.
• Troubleshoot issues and escalate concerns to CAIRO management when necessary.

Collaboration & Programmatic Support

• Provide support to ensure FES Mentors implement consistent, high-quality services.
• Use MRIS data and other tools to evaluate program effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with ORR requirements and RPO contract standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Education, Human Services, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of direct service experience with youth, preferably within refugee or immigrant-serving organizations.
• Proven experience providing leadership or peer support to staff or mentors.
• Strong understanding of mentorship models and evidence-based practices.
• Experience working directly with students to support learning, engagement, and goal achievement.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Experience facilitating virtual collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams).
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the MRIS system and/or Check & Connect mentorship model.
• Knowledge of ORR programs and refugee resettlement services.
• Experience in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team facilitation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Schedule, Compensation & Benefits

• Full-Time Position
• Hourly Rate: $25.00 – $28.00
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Paid holidays and generous PTO
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cell Phone reimbursement
• Mission-driven organizational culture focused on equity, inclusion, and community empowerment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. CAIRO recruits, hires, and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.25