Acceleration Academies is passionate about improving student outcomes. We provide two capabilities that drive student success. Our dropout recovery and student re-engagement program (Acceleration Academies), is an innovative education partner helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their high school diploma tuition-free through partnerships with state or local school districts across the country. Our technology platform (Incite®) enables data-driven teaching and learning. These offerings are both rooted in our belief that every student deserves access to the best instruction, tools and resources possible.

Location : Marion County Acceleration Academy

Reports to: Academy Director

Employment Status: Full Time, non-exempt

Compensation : $19-$22/hour to start

Benefits: 401(k) with up to 4% company match; Flexible Paid Time Off; Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life, Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, & Accident insurance coverages available; Employer-paid financial wellness program; Employee referral incentives; Certification reimbursement program; Bonus opportunities

Role Expectations

The Engagement Coach (EC) role is key to supporting the maintenance of a safe and orderly environment both inside and outside the academy learning space. EC applicants must feel comfortable having one-on-one conversations with GCs (Graduation Candidate - Student) of diverse backgrounds to develop meaningful relationships. ECs will be a positive presence at the academy and work collaboratively with academy staff to ensure a safe learning environment.

Minimum Requirements 

Education: Associates degree or higher

Years of Experience: 2–3 years of relevant experience

Background Check: Demonstration of a clear state and federal criminal history

Role Responsibilities

Enrollment

• Provide support for GC orientation process by directing GCs and families to appropriate locations at the academy

Retention/Attendance

• Reinforce a safe and supportive learning environment
• Implement motivational strategies to ensure Graduation Candidates attend the academy and are actively engaged in their learning
• Assist with implementation of the Retention Protocol as time allows

Recruitment

• Assist with canvassing and recruitment of new GCs as needed and outside of academy operating hours

Academics

• Support academic development through the creation of a safe and secure learning environment

Advocacy

• Advocate for GCs by assisting with finding solutions and services through academy staff for the academic and non-academic barriers to success

Operations

• Conduct walking rounds in designated areas in and around the Academy learning space
• Establish a visible presence, deter loitering and other behavioral disruptions and report incidents to the Director
• Maintain a close working relationship and open lines of communication with building staff
• Conduct safety training and routine safety drills with staff and GCs
• Participate in academy meetings and other school/community events
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies 

The following core competencies define what the organization requires of its employees to succeed and how we expect overall goals to be accomplished each and every day.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Caring & Inclusiveness
• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Honesty, Integrity & Reliability
• Results-Orientation

Role Specific Competencies

These competencies are specific to the Engagement Coach position. 

• Conflict Management & Resolution
• Organizational Planning & Time Management
• Relationship Management
• Coachability & Learning Orientation
• Resiliency & Stress Management
• Facilitation & Engagement

Required Qualifications

• Experience with student engagement, student safety, social work, security or other relevant area

• Excellent listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills
• Ability to communicate and build relationships with internal and external constituencies
• Superior time-management, organizational skills, and accurate record keeping
• Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct
• Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional demeanor
• Develops positive rapport with staff, GCs, and the Acceleration Academy community
• Respects personal privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information
• Displays ability to diplomatically diffuse tension and deal with intense situations
• Demonstrates the ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish preferred but not required)
• Experience with Google Workspace
• Experience in a non-traditional school setting or education-related field
• Demonstrates a commitment and passion for supporting GCs, who have disengaged from a traditional school setting
• Experience with security

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment and Work Demands The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typical of a collaborative classroom environment.

Acceleration Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. It is understood that other related duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all aspects of the position, described below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.