CARES First -Generation Peer Lead Mentor

Job Title CARES First -Generation Peer Lead Mentor Requisition Number DU14643 Department Name 1B250:Ctr for Acad Res and Enrich Svcs Work Location: Lexington, KY Salary Range $15.00/ hour Type Of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education Must be enrolled as a student at UK Required Related Experience N/A Required License/Registration/Certification N/A Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, and walk around campus for meetings and events Ability to move light materials (folders, event supplies, signage, snacks, etc.), usually under 10–20 lbs Shift Varies as scheduled – 4.5 hours/week Job Summary The Peer Lead Mentor is a peer-centered leadership role within the CARES First-Generation Mentoring Program, designed to support relationship-centered engagement, community-building, and student success. Peer Lead Mentors serve as collaborators, facilitators, and sources of support for Peer Mentors, helping guide the experience of mentoring communities (family clusters)—small, connected groups made up of approximately five Peer Mentors and their mentees. Grounded in the program’s focus on belonging, confidence, and effective navigation of the college experience, Peer Lead Mentors help ensure that mentoring occurs consistently, intentionally, and within a supportive community context rather than in isolation . In this role, Peer Lead Mentors walk alongside mentors as partners in the mentoring process, offering encouragement, perspective, and support as mentors build meaningful relationships with their mentees. Rather than supervising, Peer Lead Mentors serve as collaborative facilitators, helping mentors reflect on their experiences, navigate challenges, and remain engaged in their relationships with mentees. Peer Lead Mentors play an important role in facilitating mentoring community engagement, including: Leading regular mentor check-ins Supporting monthly group engagement opportunities Coordinating mentoring family cluster gatherings Fostering open communication, connection, and shared accountability These touchpoints are designed to strengthen connection, consistency, and developmental growth across the mentoring experience. In addition to their relational role, Peer Lead Mentors contribute to program effectiveness through light administrative responsibilities. This includes: Tracking mentor-mentee engagement and interaction consistency Identifying patterns in participation and connection Providing brief, strengths-based reflections on mentor-mentee progress over time These efforts help ensure that mentoring relationships remain active, responsive, and aligned with program goals. Peer Lead Mentors also serve as a key connector between mentors and CARES First-Generation staff, helping communicate needs, elevate concerns, and maintain alignment with program expectations and values. By fostering collaboration, trust, and consistency, Peer Lead Mentors help cultivate a mentoring environment that promotes student belonging, academic confidence, and proactive engagement with campus resources. Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Peer Lead Mentors should demonstrate the ability to: Build trusting, respectful relationships with Peer Mentors and foster a welcoming group environment Facilitate mentor check-ins, small group conversations, and family cluster gatherings in a way that encourages participation and connection Communicate clearly, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully to questions, concerns, or emerging needs Encourage mentors through support, accountability, and reflection without taking over their role or responsibilities Help mentors think through challenges, identify next steps, and stay engaged in their relationships with mentees Recognize when a concern, pattern, or student need should be elevated to CARES First-Generation staff Maintain appropriate boundaries while serving in a peer support role Track mentor-mentee engagement consistently and complete brief progress updates in a timely and organized manner Notice patterns in participation, responsiveness, or connection and share relevant observations with staff Model dependability by following through on assigned responsibilities, showing up prepared, and communicating proactively Help create a mentoring environment centered on belonging, encouragement, consistency, and shared responsibility Promote help-seeking and connect mentors to campus resources or staff support when needed Receive feedback openly, reflect on their ow