Family Education Support (FES) Mentor - St. Cloud

Program & Position Overview

The Family Education Support (FES) 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 position delivers intensive, individualized, and family-centered mentoring services to newly arrived refugees, asylees, and other immigrants with humanitarian protection status residing in Central Minnesota. Services are designed to support educational success, family stability, community integration, and progress toward self-sufficiency, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with the St. Cloud Area School District, local community partners, and resettlement agencies.

The FES Mentor will use the Check & Connect evidence-based mentorship model to mentor students, supporting engagement, attendance, goal setting, and academic success. This role also includes assisting families in navigating school systems, accessing community resources, and supporting overall family wellbeing. 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:

• Students and families enrolled in the program


• St. Cloud Area School District staff


• Central MN Regional Network (CMRN) partners


• Community-based organizations and service providers

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 (Aligned with DHS RPO Allowable Activities and Performance Measures)

• Provide direct mentoring and family support services to ORR-eligible children, youth, and families.


• Use the Check & Connect evidence-based mentorship model to mentor students, supporting engagement, attendance, goal setting, and academic success.


• Conduct Family Wellbeing Inventories upon enrollment and update service plans aligned with family goals and program requirements.


• Support students and families in navigating educational systems, setting measurable goals, and accessing school-based and community resources.


• Collaborate with school personnel to address attendance, academic progress, behavioral concerns, and post-secondary planning.


• Coordinate with community partners and resettlement agencies to ensure timely referrals and service linkage.


• Facilitate or coordinate workshops, informational sessions, and group activities relevant to the needs of enrolled families.


• Support student integration and engagement in school and community activities.


• Ensure services are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and consistent with refugee service best practices.


• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of services, outputs, and outcomes in MRIS.


• Participate in program meetings, supervision, case reviews, and DHS RPO monitoring activities as required.


• Comply with all DHS RPO, ORR, and CAIRO policies, including data privacy and confidentiality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field or a minimum of four (4) years of combined experience and/or training in human services or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience working with refugees, immigrants, or other underserved populations.


• Fluency in Somali (required).


• Ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.


• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.


• Ability to work independently while meeting program performance and reporting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing school-based mentoring, youth engagement, or family-centered services.


• Two or more years of experience in:
  
  
  
  • Case management
  
  
  • Employment or vocational counseling
  
  
  • Community mental health or social services
  
  
  
  


• Familiarity with grant-funded programs, performance measures, and outcome reporting.


• Competency with MS Office, email, internet tools, and client database systems.


• Knowledge of local community resources and service systems in Central Minnesota.


• Ability to coordinate or arrange supportive services related to education, employment, financial stability, housing, health, and behavioral health.

Schedule, Compensation & Benefits

• Full-Time Position 32 hrs. per week (M-F, 6 to 7 hrs. per day, some flexibility)


• Hourly Rate: $22.00 – $25.00


• 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 centered on equity, dignity, 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.