Student Advocate

Student Advocate (12 Month Position)

At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self-sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities Of a Successful Candidate

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.
  
  

As a Student Advocate, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Communication and Partnerships

• Communicates accurately and timely with students and their families to ensure a continuous school-family partnership exists.
• Links students and their families to school and community resources.
  
  

Student Progress & Evaluation

• Evaluates student progress, including attendance, academic, and behavioral data.
  
  

Community Coordination and Restorative Justice

• Coordinates with community partners to build resources.
• Uses the restorative justice process to focus on repairing harm through inclusive processes that engage all stakeholders, shifting the focus of discipline from punishment to learning from the individual to the community.
  
  

Home Visits and Record-Keeping

• Makes home visits to obtain information about students.
• Keeps accurate and timely records of student information in PowerSchool, as well as parent, staff, and community contacts.
• Participates in stakeholder conferences to develop student action plans.
  
  

Student Support and Growth

• Assists with the supervision of students during instructional and non-instructional time.
• Supports a positive school climate while interacting with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously and safely with other children.
• Maintains confidentiality when dealing with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Performs moderate to extensive physical activity, including frequent standing or walking.
• Facilitates social and emotional growth with students.
• Improves professional competence through professional development.
• Provides an atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair, and consistent practices, respect for individual children, and development of responsible citizenship.
• Implements proactive behavior and learning strategies under the direction of the classroom teacher.
  
  

Professional Development & Leadership

• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings and sharing of relevant information.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of-class activities important to the operation of the Academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group, and the Academy.
  
  

Job Goal: To actively collaborate with teachers, parents, and school administrators to identify and address any challenges or barriers that students may face. By providing support, resources, and guidance, they aim to empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential academically, emotionally, and socially. They strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that fosters student growth, well-being, and success.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree.
• Solid record of punctuality.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with school personnel and students in a diverse school community.
• Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds.
  
  

Work Location: 3662 Poinsettia Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers-choice-experience/

Please contact Jackson Carmoney at jacksoncarmoney@choiceschools.com with any questions.

Working for Choice Schools Associates

New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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