SPARK Youth Mentor

Job Title: SPARK – Youth Mentor

Job Type: Limited Term (grant funded) Part-time, 20-30 hrs/wk

Introduction:

SPARK Mentors work directly with youth to prevent, reduce or delay teen substance use and delinquency by providing a fun and supportive environment for teens to hang out, learn and explore new things. A SPARK Youth Mentor’s primary role is to build caring relationships with youth from ages 12-18 Mentors create a fun, physically and emotionally safe, and supportive environment. Mentors support youth in discovering and pursuing activities that interest them. Mentors work with youth to support their social and emotional development by modeling positive communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

If you're dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community, this role offers a unique opportunity to inspire, guide, and foster personal growth.

This position is grant funded. If for some reason we are unable to secure grant funding, this position will end

Responsibilities:

Youth Engagement and Empowerment:

● Build nurturing and impactful relationships with adolescents aged 12-18 from diverse backgrounds.

● Create a welcoming and safe environment that encourages social and emotional development.

● Support youth in exploring and pursuing their interests, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.

Positive Role Modeling:

● Demonstrate positive communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making to guide youth in making responsible choices.

● Serve as a role model, promoting values of respect, empathy, and self-confidence.

● Offer guidance and support to help youth navigate challenges and develop life skills.

Activity Planning and Implementation:

● Collaborate with the SPARK team to design engaging and enriching activities for youth.

● Lead and participate in various activities such as art projects, sports, music, discussions, and outings.

● Foster a sense of community and belonging among participants.

Emotional Support:

● Provide emotional support to youth facing daily struggles, significant life crises, or challenging circumstances.

● Assist youth in conflict resolution amongst their peers and navigate personal challenges.

● Create opportunities for youth to express themselves and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Administrative Duties:

● Maintain accurate attendance records for program participants.

● Communicate effectively with youth, families, and team members regarding program logistics and updates.

Transportation:

This position requires that you become a certified driver with Bay Area Rural Transit. That training will occur during your first two weeks of employment and certification requires random drug screening.

● Picking youth up from school or home to attend daily programming

● Dropping youth off at home after daily programming

● Transporting youth to and from off-site activities and field trips

Physical Space maintenance:

● Cleaning, sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, trash removal, etc. before or after daily programming

● Light duty maintenance tasks such as painting, or rearranging the physical space (i.e furniture, etc)

Planning & Professional Development

● Regular staff meetings to plan and prepare for daily programming

● Regular and ongoing professional development discussions, book studies etc.

Qualifications:

● Passion for working with adolescents and a genuine desire to build caring relationships.

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially when interacting with teenagers.

● Ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that resonates with diverse youth.

● Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and adapt to changing scheduling needs.

Work Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits:

● Part-time role, ranging from 20-30 hours per week, based on programming needs.

● Hourly compensation starting at $17.61/hour (Grade 6 Step 1).

● Additional fringe benefits are not applicable to this position.

How to Apply:

• Send your resume to scott.griffiths@ashlandcountywi.gov
• Include a cover letter explaining why you are excited to apply and what you can bring to this position.
• If you have questions before applying, feel free to call Scott Griffiths at 715.255.0509.

Ashland County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Pay: $17.61 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18