Academy at SOAR is an accredited adventure-based private boarding school located in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We serve youth with ADHD and other learning differences in grades 6-8. We operate on a four -week cycle where three weeks are spent on campus and one weeks are spent traveling. Academy at SOAR offers an alternative learning environment that combines academics, adventure, and life skill development to help prepare our students academically, socially, and emotionally for high school.
Lower School Instructors have the opportunity to work closely with our students as direct care professionals. Lower School Instructors facilitate student growth by providing them with a positive learning and residential life environment both on campus and during outdoor adventure trips. Lower School Instructors work in conjunction with teachers and administration to create the foundation of outdoor adventure trip culture as well as campus life and school culture. Students spend three weeks on campus and one week off campus while continuing academics in the field. Instructors will facilitate academics while in the field as well as facilitate homework, all after-school and weekend activities for students to enrich their experience. Instructors are responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for all students where their care and well-being are prioritized above all else.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
-Ensure the physical and emotional safety of our participants through direct supervision (24/7) throughout a shift. Shifts generally range from 8-10 days with 4-5 days off in between shifts.
-Support students in developing personal goals, utilize creative thinking and problem solving to assist them in implementing effective strategies and document their progress throughout the year.
-Instruct and empower students in independent living skills such as cooking, organization, money management, health and nutrition, time management, and personal hygiene.
-Implement field academic lessons in a creative and organized manner with guidance from teachers.
-Facilitate meaningful outdoor experiences and teach adventure skills throughout the expeditions. As well as facilitate service learning opportunities throughout the academic year.
-Practice sound risk management principles in the field and facilitate expeditions with a high level of autonomy and decision-making.
-Manage caregiver communications, receipts, student debit cards and other shift paperwork as assigned.
-Administer First Aid when needed and administer daily medications to students in your direct care.
-Comply with all policies and procedures of the Academy and SOAR.
-Sleep in dorms and hotel rooms with, or in tents next to participants to ensure supervision.
-Utilize behavior management techniques consistent with the program philosophy at SOAR.
-Act professionally at all times to promote the Academy and garner respect for the profession while providing students an appropriate setting in which they may learn from the example you set.
-Commit to our students and program for the entirety of the school year. Note: The school year begins in August and ends in May.
Minimum Qualifications:
-Minimum of 21 years of age.
-Current Wilderness First Aid certification or higher and CPR. Lifeguard preferred (or willingness to obtain).
-4 years of college or professional experience (preferred).
-Minimum of one year of experience working in the industry (preferred).
-Dedication and strong desire to work with LD and ADHD youth.
-Experience facilitating a successful learning environment for middle school aged students (preferred).
-Experience in facilitating outdoor adventure activities while utilizing sound risk management.
-Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds, hike up to 10 miles a day, paddle up to 20 miles a day (flat water, river, or ocean).
Contracted Dates: August 14th, 2023 – May 14th, 2024
Contact [email protected] for questions or to submit resume.