Outdoor Academy Instructor

Company: Academy at SOAR

Job Type: Contract, Full Time

Job Description

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 9-12. We operate on a 4-week cycle where two weeks are spent on campus and two 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 life beyond high school. We also have a middle school program for grades 7 – 8, they spend three weeks on campus and one week in the field.

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 (Middle), 20 days on and 8 days off (High School), 10 days on and 4 days off (Campus).

-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

Pbagnpg [email protected] for more information or with a resume and cover letter. We have both field and on-campus positions available.

Availability:  We only have 1-2 positions left!

How to Apply

Contact [email protected] with a resume.
Posted on: July 26, 2023
Location: Waynesville, NC
Job Type: Contract, Full Time
Job Starting Date:
14 August 2023
Years of Experience: 1 – 2 years, No Experience Required