SPACE Agents

SPACE Agent Job Description

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO) advocates for social justice and equity for diverse African immigrant and refugee communities. CAIRO is a culturally specific organization committed to reducing achievement gaps and addressing barriers experienced by African immigrant and refugee youth in Oregon schools.

CAIRO works closely with students, families, schools, and community partners to create spaces where children and young adults feel safe, supported, and prepared to learn.

The Schools, Parents, and Community Engaged (SPACE) Program is a school- and community-based student support program serving African immigrant and refugee students and their families.

SPACE currently serves eight schools within the Beaverton, Reynolds, and Hillsboro school districts. The program provides academic support during the school day, out-of-school tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional support, family engagement, cultural navigation, and referrals to community services and resources.

SPACE staff are assigned to partner schools to address language and cultural barriers and strengthen relationships among schools, students, families, and the broader community.

The SPACE Agent serves as a cultural navigator and supports the successful day-to-day operation of the SPACE Program at assigned schools.

The SPACE Agent works collaboratively with students, families, school and district staff, CAIRO leadership, and community partners to develop culturally responsive strategies that address academic achievement, attendance, enrichment, recreation, family engagement, and social-emotional needs.

The Agent develops and maintains positive relationships with students, families, teachers, school leadership, and community partners. The Agent also ensures that program services meet the needs of elementary, middle, and high school students from African immigrant and refugee communities.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position primarily based within the Reynolds School District. The position is scheduled for 24–30 hours per week, with a maximum of 30 hours per week.

CAIRO is particularly interested in applicants who speak Somali and/or Swahili and can communicate effectively with participating families.

Student Support and Case Management

• Attend assigned schools according to the established weekly schedule while school is in session.
• Maintain an assigned student caseload.
• Evaluate students' academic, social, emotional, behavioral, attendance, and resource needs.
• Develop individualized plans for student engagement and support.
• Coordinate services that address students' academic and social needs, including tutoring and mentoring.
• Help develop strategies for addressing attendance or behavioral concerns.
• Meet regularly with participating students.
• Inform students about CAIRO programs, workshops, events, and resources and encourage their participation.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal and external services and community resources.
• Maintain required student information in CAIRO's case-management system.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of students and families.

Parent and Family Engagement

• Conduct introductory home visits with parents and caregivers, as appropriate.
• Support families with enrolling students in the SPACE Program.
• Collect required student information, including State Student Identification numbers when applicable.
• Help families understand student performance, attendance, behavioral concerns, and available school supports.
• Assist with communication between families, teachers, and school staff.
• Be available to support families during parent-teacher conferences.
• Encourage increased family participation in school meetings, conferences, activities, and events.
• Conduct additional home visits as needed or assigned by the SPACE Program Manager.
• Work with CAIRO leadership to develop and deliver adult and family programming.
• Maintain consistent and respectful communication with students, families, school staff, and community partners.

School and Community Collaboration

• Work directly with school administrators, counselors, teachers, and other staff to understand and respond to student needs.
• Assist…