CARES First -Generation Peer Lead MentorUniversity of Kentucky

Must be enrolled as a student at UK

N/A

N/A

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

Varies as scheduled – 4.5 hours/week

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.

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 own leadership, and make adjustments that strengthen the mentoring community

Education
Current undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky
Completed at least one academic year and in good academic standing
Demonstrated interest in mentoring, leadership, and community-building
Intends to be enrolled for the full academic year

Experience
Prior experience as a Peer Mentor, student leader, or peer educator
Experience facilitating or engaging small groups or teams
Ability to support peers through reflection, encouragement, and shared problem-solving
Strong communication skills (active listening, feedback, asking reflective questions)
Familiarity with campus resources and navigating support systems
Demonstrated reliability, organization, and follow-through
Interest in developing leadership, facilitation, and mentoring skills

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.