SPACE Agent

Organization & Program Overview

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO)’s mission is to advocate for and act to increase equity and social justice through programs, services, community organizing and collaborative leadership that create equitable opportunities for African refugees and immigrant children, youth and families to thrive. CAIRO envisions a more just and equitable society in which children, youth, and families live in sustained, supportive communities, which reinforce the cultural wealth and lived experience of the family.

The Schools, Parents and Community Engaged (SPACE) Program is a student school-based and community support program that works closely with African students, parents and schools to build spaces where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. We work with African immigrant students in classrooms, within families, and in the broader community. We currently serve four schools in the St. Cloud area where we provide academic support within the school and out of school tutoring, mentoring, socio-emotional support, and connecting families to community services that they need. We have staff assigned at the schools to address barriers related to language and culture and build bridges between the schools, students and parents.

Position Summary

SPACE Agents are responsible for the successful day to day operation of the SPACE Program. Agents work in collaboration with school and district staff, and families and communities to lead the development of school based programs and strategies addressing academics, enrichment, and recreation; develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with agents and school leadership; ensure that core services are culturally responsive to meet the needs of an elementary, middle and high schools with a large African population.

This position requires fluency in both English and Somali.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will work Monday - Friday, September 2023 through June 2024.

Salary

$21.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience

Benefits

CAIRO offers the following benefits for this position:

• 16 days of Paid Time Off.
• 16 paid company holidays.
• 100% employer-covered medical and dental premiums for employee coverage; employee-covered vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with an up to 3% employer match.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and implement the SPACE components and programming at assigned school sites.
• Develop core services to address the academic, enrichment, recreation, leadership and social service needs of students and families. The services must be developed to meet the needs of a culturally diverse student population.
• Design and implement the training components and programming for families and schools.
• Perform administrative tasks including database management, data collection and writing and submitting required final progress reports.
• Work in collaboration with the CAIRO leadership to develop and execute adult and family programming to encourage parent engagement.
• Maintain regular communication with staff, the families, school staff and community partners.
• Conduct outreach to community members to inform them about services and resources.
• Attend meetings and events for CAIRO or school as needed.
• Organize and maintain records and documentation as required. Enter data and complete reports as required by the CAIRO office.
• In collaboration with SPACE Program Manager and other Agents, develop workshops for the teachers and district leadership.
• Refer students who need academic support to Student Support Specialists for tutoring.
• Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited administrative functions at the office, when needed.

Abilities, Skills, & Experience

• Must be motivated, energetic, punctual, responsible, and exhibit a positive attitude to be an excellent role model for students, families and staff members.
• Experience: two or more years of experience working with African students and families is essential.
  
• Ability to lead, teach, and interact with parents, staff, teachers, children, and the school community.
• Full commitment to the mission/philosophy of the CAIRO Program.
• Knowledge of and ability to facilitate workshops and forums.
• Excitement and positive attitude toward working with children.
• Dedication to the pursuit of education (for self and students).

Education

• Some college coursework in relevant subjects required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social work or related field is preferred.

Work Environment & Location

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (at times on the floor with children) and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of keyboard, monitor, mouse, telephone and/or headset
• Use of a personal vehicle with reimbursement will be required.
• Work locations in St. Cloud, MN.

CAIRO is a participant in the E-Verify program.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.