CARES First -Generation Peer Mentor

Job Title
CARES First -Generation Peer Mentor

Requisition Number
DU14642

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 – 2.5 hours/week

Job Summary

The First to First Peer Mentor is a supportive and caring student leader within the CARES First‑Generation Mentoring Program. Peer Mentors work with students who will become the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree at a four‑year institution, helping them feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they navigate college life. Through shared experiences and genuine peer connections, Peer Mentors build supportive relationships that help mentees feel seen, valued, and part of a community. Mentors offer encouragement, answer questions, and help mentees develop independence, confidence, and self‑advocacy skills while becoming familiar with campus resources.

Peer Mentors are matched with a mentee during the mentee’s first year of college and intentionally work to build a supportive peer relationship rooted in trust, connection, and mutual respect. Mentor–mentee pairs also join other pairs to form a family cluster, where they strengthen relationships through small‑group gatherings (Family Meetings) and larger community‑building events throughout the year. Each Peer Mentor is supported by a Peer Lead, who provides guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support during the academic year. In this role, Peer Mentors serve as trusted peers and friendly guides—modeling help‑seeking, sharing strategies for navigating college, and connecting students to campus resources when questions or challenges arise.

All Peer Mentors receive training and ongoing support, including summer training, regular check‑ins with Peer Leads and CARES staff, and professional development focused on communication, empathy, leadership, and ethical mentoring. Peer Mentors will play a key role in creating a welcoming, strengths‑based mentoring community where first‑year students can build meaningful connections, feel supported, and thrive at the University of Kentucky.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Relationship‑Building Skills
Communication & Active Listening
Empathy and Peer Support
Community‑Building Skills
Reliability & Follow‑Through
Boundary Awareness & Professional Judgment
Resource Navigation & Referral Skills
Leadership Potential

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Current undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky.
Has completed at least one academic year at UK and is in good academic standing.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of and commitment to supporting first-year students transitioning to college from high school.
Plans to be enrolled at the University of Kentucky for the full academic year of the mentoring program.

Preferred Experience

Experience building supportive peer relationships, such as through student organizations, leadership roles, living‑learning communities, campus employment, or informal mentoring.
Demonstrated ability to connect with others, listen actively, and offer encouragement and support in a peer‑to‑peer setting.
Familiar with campus resources and demonstrate the ability to help others navigate campus resources, adjust to new environments, or work through academic or personal transitions.
Strong communication skills and a willingness to build trusting, supportive friendships with mentees while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Dependability and follow‑through, including availability to meet regularly with a mentee and participate in trainings and program activities.
Interest in leadership development, community‑building, and contributing to a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

Deadline to Apply
05/22/2026

Our University Community

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.