Family Education Support Specialist
Location: Brooklyn Center, MN - On-site with local travel within the community.
Employment Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Job Summary:
The Family Education Supports Mentor is responsible for providing long-term mentoring and support to enhance educational engagement for families. This role involves helping parents, K-12 students, and youth aged 15-24 navigate educational systems, transition smoothly between educational stages, and achieve their academic goals. The mentor will also collaborate with mental health and cultural wellness programs to support students who are new to the country.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Engagement and Support:
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Family Engagement: Provide mentoring support to families, helping them engage with early childhood and K-12 education.
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Student Support: Assist K-12 students with school-related challenges, providing guidance and resources for academic success.
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Youth Transitions: Help youth aged 15-24 plan for transitions beyond high school, including higher education, vocational training, or employment.
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Cultural and Mental Health Support: Work with children's mental health and cultural wellness programs to support new-to-country students, addressing mental health, wellness, and cultural integration.
Mentoring Framework:
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Check and Connect: Implement the Check and Connect mentoring framework, systematically monitoring progress and providing timely interventions.
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Needs Assessment: Assess family educational needs and triage appropriate supports.
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Goal Setting: Collaborate with families to set individualized educational goals and track progress toward achieving them.
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Regular Check-ins: Conduct check-ins every 1-2 weeks to monitor progress and adjust support as necessary.
Resource Navigation:
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Education Systems Expertise: Guide participants in navigating educational systems, helping families build skills to navigate these systems independently.
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Resource Connection: Connect participants with necessary resources such as transportation, tutoring, mental health services, technology, and other supports.
Collaboration:
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Partnerships: Collaborate with community resource partners, educational institutions, and cultural programs to ensure participants have meaningful connections and access to the resources they need.
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Community Engagement: Actively represent and maintain relationships within the relevant communities, developing referral mechanisms and fostering new partnerships.
Documentation and Reporting:
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Case Management: Track and document all services provided, maintaining accurate case notes and monitoring participant outcomes.
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Data Systems: Enter data and report outcomes using the Minnesota Refugee Information System (MRIS).
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Digital Tools: Use Check and Connect documentation tools and MRIS databases to systematically track participant progress.
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Microsoft Office: Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access for communication, documentation, and reporting.
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Digital Literacy: Proficient in navigating online resources and utilizing technology for virtual meetings and remote mentoring sessions.
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Digital Tools: Use Check and Connect documentation tools and MRIS databases to systematically track participant progress.
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Microsoft Office: Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access for communication, documentation, and reporting.
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Digital Literacy: Proficient in navigating online resources and utilizing technology for virtual meetings and remote mentoring sessions.
Qualifications:
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Educational Expertise: Strong knowledge of educational systems, including early childhood, K-12, and post-secondary education.
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Cultural Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse communities and address barriers faced by new arrivals.
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Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with schools, community programs, and cultural organizations.
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Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to maintain regular contact with participants, families, and educational partners.
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Language Skills: Bilingual or trilingual proficiency in English, Dari, and/or Pashto/Arabic.
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Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
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Ethical Standards: Demonstrated commitment to maintaining ethical behavior and setting healthy boundaries while supporting clients.
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Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, including familiarity with MRIS, Microsoft Office, and internet tools for research and data entry.
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Travel Requirements: Must be able to travel locally to attend meetings, support clients, and meet at multiple locations daily.
Additional Requirements:
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Experience in mentorship or educational support roles.
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Familiarity with mental health and cultural wellness programs is preferred.
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Must be able to maintain accurate records and documentation for all participant interactions.
About SEWA:
Founded in 2004, is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing "Total Family Wellness". The organization serves individuals from South Asian countries, the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, and newly arrived Afghan, Central Asian and Syrian evacuees by providing tailored safety net services.
Mission: To promote comprehensive wellness for South Asian families in Minnesota.
Services: SEWA-AIFW offers a range of services, including:
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Health Initiatives: Free clinics, chronic disease management, mental health support, and nutritional consultations.
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Women’s Programs: Domestic violence prevention, support groups, legal aid, and monthly curated socials.
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LGBTQ+ Support: Advocacy, pride events, and peer support.
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Men’s Programs: Monthly curated sessions addressing social issues in the community.
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Youth Programs: Activities, podcasts, and the Brown Breakfast Club.
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Senior Support: SNAP, in-home care, and social engagement.
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New Americans Programs: Translation services, legal and medical support, digital literacy, and financial aid.
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Civic Engagement & Research: Addressing public issues, government relations, and research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
SEWA-AIFW strives to build a healthier, more connected South, Central Asian and North African community in Minnesota.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to info@sewa-aifw.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
**This position is contingent on availability of grant funding. **