We have 3 new openings for 2020!

SPARK (Student Pathways to Adventure, Resilience and Knowledge) is an after-school and summer program that aims to reduce and prevent substance use amongst teens (12-18) by teaching life-skills and getting them excited about other things in life. We offer (or plan to offer) programming in outdoor adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking; outdoor recreation like fishing and archery; arts such as painting, drawing and pottery; performing arts; sports ranging from basketball to baaga’adowewin (traditional lacrosse); music; traditional skills and crafts… and of course, plenty of dodgeball, kickball and capture the flag.  

We have several openings for staff who will work directly with our students, leading and facilitating activities, teaching life-skills, helping resolve conflicts, listening, sharing, modeling positive interactions and relationships.  We also have a new position  involved in logistics and planning, meal and snack preparation and other things that come up as needed to offer fun, safe programs for our kids. This program offers a lot of flexibility based on the interests of our students. Really, the sky is the limit. What can you bring to the table?
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These positions can be internships or employment.
You can find the full job description including the compensation range below.

To apply:

• Please review all the pages of this site to learn more about what we do.
• 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

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Youth Mentor positions open in Mellen and Ashland

Position Title: SPARK- Youth Mentor  in Mellen WI
Reports to: SPARK Program Director
Supervised by: Ashland County Health and Human Services Children and Family Unit Supervisor

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
• Ability 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.
  • Light lifting.
  • 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 of 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 Brighter Futures Initiative Grant Coordinator
• Implements activities as planned, leads, assists, and acts as a role-model participant in both active and sedentary indoor and outdoor lessons, games and activities; supervises students during activities
• Ensure a safe, friendly and supportive atmosphere is maintained by developing appropriate strategies to support children in managing their behavior.
• Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours
• Must be able to pass a criminal and caregiver background check

Valuable Skills and Mindset

• Experience with and ability to lead children/youth activities (not mandatory but preferred) 
• Experience or understanding of Restorative Practices and/or Restorative Justice
• Knowledge of youth/children programs (not mandatory but preferred)
• Demonstrate problem solving ability.
• 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 5-25 hrs/wk.  
• Mellen- Must be available Mondays 2:00pm-8:00pm  
• Ashland- Must be available Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00pm-8:00pm
• Other work hours and days may vary based on programming hours and preparation needs.
• The current compensation for this position ranges from $11.00- $13.00/ hr depending on experience and skills.

Additional Requirements:
Regular access to a reliable vehicle; have a valid Wisconsin driver's license and vehicle insurance. Must be able to comply with background check, including fingerprints, as required. Successful experience working as an effective member of a team. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. 

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

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Food Prep and Logistics Lead

Title: SPARK Food Prep and Logistics Lead
​Reports to: SPARK Program Director
Supervised by: Ashland County Health and Human Services Children and Family Unit Supervisor

General Summary:
The Food Prep and Logistics Lead has two essential roles under the general supervision of the SPARK Program Director.  

1. Food Planning and Preparation: Responsible for the planning and preparation of nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals and snacks for SPARK participants. It is the Food Prep Lead’s responsibility to prepare these meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrient levels and that are sanitary. The Food Prep Lead purchases all food and supplies necessary and keeps records regarding food costs and menu choices.  Some days this may include cooking or baking activities with SPARK participants. 
2. Coordination and Logistics: Responsible for tracking the daily attendance and whereabouts of SPARK students as well as coordinating and ensuring that all students get on the proper transportation home each night.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, friendly and supportive atmosphere is maintained by developing appropriate strategies to support children in managing their behavior.
• Plan, prepare and serve foods in accordance Wisconsin food safety and nutrition guidelines
• Purchase food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children.  (Approximately 40-50 per day)
• Plan meals in advance to promote efficiency in cost and preparation.
• Prepare meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need
• Maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation & storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
• Check students in and out of SPARK programs and activities.  
• Track each student’s daily transportation needs and coordinate with BART drivers.
• Ensure that all students requiring transportation home are present on BART buses before they depart each day.
• Participate in general staff meetings and other meetings and events as needed
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Work Schedule, Compensation and Benefits

• This is a part time, grant funded, limited term position working 10-25 hrs/wk.  
• Must be available Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00pm-8:00pm
• Other work hours and days may vary based on programming hours and preparation needs.
• The current compensation for this position ranges from $12.00- $15.00/ hr depending on experience and skills.

Recommended Employment Qualifications:
It is preferred that the SPARK Food Prep and Logistics Lead have training in food preparation and sanitation including a Wisconsin ServSafe Food Handler certification.

​Experience:

• Demonstrated skills in preparing foods in a nutritious, good tasting and appealing manner. 
• Experience in child food service preparation and management desirable.  ​
• Experience working with children from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to recognize and avoid unnecessary power struggles with youth
• Leadership and organizational skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in the use of computers and spreadsheets

 
Additional Requirements:
Regular access to a reliable vehicle; have a valid Wisconsin driver's license and vehicle insurance. Must be able to comply with background check, including fingerprints, as required. Successful experience working as an effective member of a team. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. Must be free of communicable diseases and breathing impairments. Manual dexterity sufficient to: use kitchen utensils and equipment, wash dishes, operate office equipment including, but not limited to, the telephone & copier, and use handwriting materials to prepare reports and documentation. Must have effective organizational, problem solving, time management and analytical skills. Ability to calculate to determine number of meals to be served and to adjust recipes and serving portions. Must be able to physically move through grocery stores, the center and classrooms. Ability to lift 35 pounds is required. Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff & clients desirable. Must possess personal qualifications including: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the philosophy and goals of SPARK, respect for children and adults from various cultures and backgrounds, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with responsibilities.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.

To ApplyIf 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

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