New openings for SPRING 2021 !

Are you in search of a fun, rewarding position supporting the next generation?
SPARK (Student Pathways to Adventure, Resilience and Knowledge) is an after-school and summer program for youth ages 12-18.  Our goal is to improve lifelong outcomes for the youth we serve by reducing teen substance use, teaching life skills and building resilience.  We do this, in part,  by helping kids discover things the “Light them up!”  Activities include: Skateboarding, BMX, music, archery, skating, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, art, theater, games, sports, rock climbing, backpacking  and just about anything else that our teens may want to pursue.

SPARK is currently accepting applications for a Youth Mentors.
​ SPARK mentors work directly with youth (12-18),  lead and facilitate activities, teach life-skills, help resolve conflicts, listen, share,  and model positive interactions & relationships.  Youth Mentors will also be involved in logistics and planning, meal and snack preparation and other areas of need that arise throughout the program to ensure an exciting, positive, and safe experience for our students.
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Being a SPARK Youth Mentor is both fun and rewarding, but it isn’t just another job.  A Youth Mentor is important to the youth they interact with, in a number of ways.  SPARK students count on you to be present and supportive of them.  They look for trust and friendship with somebody who has made it past the difficult years of adolescence. 
 
The role of a SPARK mentor is to:

• Create and maintain a safe and supportive environment
• Foster relationships through positive communication, openness, and vulnerability
• Empower our participants with a sense of self and autonomy
• Promote the discovery of  their passions by providing creative and diverse experiences.
• Fuel the pursuit of those passions towards mastery
• Model healthy decision making
• Positively represents SPARK to the greater community

  
 If you identify with these personal and professional traits, we highly encourage you to apply!

​Send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are excited to be a Youth Mentor and answer the question, "What lights YOU up?"   to scott@lightyourspark.org

Don't have a resume?  Text us a video of yourself telling us why you are excited to be a Youth Mentor and answer the question, "What lights YOU up?" 

~or~ fill out a job application at this link: 
​ 
If you have questions before applying, feel free to call Scott Griffiths at 715.255.0509 

See full job description below
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Job Description:
Job Title: SPARK – Youth Mentor
Job Type:  Part-time, 5-25 hrs/wk
Reports to:  Youth Services Coordinator/Brighter Futures Initiatives Project Manager
Supervised by: Ashland County Health and Human Services Children and Family Unit Supervisor
Salary Range:  $13.50 - $16.00/hr. commensurate with experience
Location: Ashland
Closing Date:  Open until filled.
 
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of effective methods of managing, caring and promoting positive behaviors with children.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments
• bility to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to communicate with co-workers; community stakeholders; parents; children.
• Knowledge of child development (specific to ages 12-18)

Physical requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while performing duties.
• Ability to participate in energetic outdoor games and activities
• Ability to drive a passenger van.
• Light lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work under all conditions while in the field.
• Requires physical demands such as seeing, hearing, and color perception to make judgments both in the office and out in the field.
• Able to bend, kneel, crouch or crawl. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide students with activities that promote their physical and intellectual development
• Assist in the coordination of creating, planning and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for students during program hours
• Utilize positive strategies to support the social and emotional development of all the students
• Provide tutoring to youth participating in after school program
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as requested by the SPARK Program Director
• Implement activities as planned, lead, assist, and act as a role-model participant in both active and sedentary indoor and outdoor lessons, games and activities; supervises students during activities
• Ensure that a friendly and supportive atmosphere is maintained
• Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours
• Must be able to pass a criminal and caregiver background check

Valuable Skills

• Experience with and ability to lead children/youth activities
• Experience or understanding of Restorative Practices and/or Restorative Justice
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to use various sports equipment for programs.
• Ability to recognize and avoid unnecessary power struggles with youth.

Work Schedule, Compensation and Benefits

• This is a part-time, grant-funded, limited-term position working 10-25 hrs/wk.  
• Work hours and days vary based on programming hours and preparation needs.  But a typical Youth Mentor shift begins at 1:45pm and ends between 7:00-9:00pm A successful candidate must be available for afternoon, evening and weekend hours.
• The current compensation for this position ranges from $13.50- $17.00/ hr depending on experience and skills.

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To Apply
If you have questions before applying, feel free to call Scott Griffiths at 715.255.0509

Send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are excited to apply and what you can bring to this position to scott.griffiths@co.ashland.wi.us

Don't have a resume?
Text or email us a video of your self.
Tell us why you'd be excited to be a youth mentor and tell us, "What lights YOU up?" 

~or~ fill out a job application at this link: 

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