School Instructor - Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit

Description

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Summary:

The instructor in the Adolescent Behavioral Health Center provides academic instruction and educational support to adolescents ages 13-17 who are receiving short-term psychiatric care. This role ensures continuity of education during hospitalization and supports successful transition back to the student's home school. The teacher collaborates closely with treatment teams, families, and external school systems including outreach to Henderson County Public Schools to promote academic progress, re-entry planning, and student safety. This instructor will serve as a liaison between the organization and the Superior Court System in Henderson County for patients undergoing legal or involuntary commitment proceedings. Acting as the primary point of contact between the hospital, court personnel, and legal representatives regarding patient related legal matters.

Responsibilities:

* Provides individualized and small-group instruction aligned with state standards for grades 7-12.

* Adapts curriculum to meet diverse academic levels, learning styles, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan requirements.

* Coordinates with students' home schools to obtain assignments, credits, and academic records.

* Maintains accurate documentation of academic participation and progress during hospitalization.

* Supports credit recovery and prevent academic regression during short-term admissions.

* Serves as a liaison between the behavioral health program and students' home schools.

* Conducts outreach and ongoing communication with school administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors within Henderson County Public Schools.

* Participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings to integrate academic planning into overall care.

* Advocates for appropriate academic accommodations upon discharge.

* Develops individualized re-entry plans in collaboration with the treatment team, student, family, and school personnel.

* Facilitates transition meetings with school guidance counselors and support staff.

* Assists with reintegration planning following psychiatric stabilization, including academic scheduling and accommodation recommendations.

* Provides documentation and recommendations to support smooth school re-entry.

* Contributes to individualized safety planning as part of discharge preparation.

* Identifies potential academic stressors and collaborate on strategies to reduce triggers within the school environment.

* Educates students on coping strategies related to academic pressures and peer interactions.

* Supports the development of structured academic routines to enhance emotional regulation and stability.

* Monitors and coordinates schedules for Involuntary Commitment proceedings and ensures that relevant staff are aware of upcoming hearings and deadlines.

* Facilitates and tracks communications required under North Carolina General Statute 122C, including documentation, notifications, and scheduling related to hearings.

* Coordinates logistics for patient court hearings, including communication with court officials, attorneys, guardians and hospital staff.

* Ensures timely exchange of relevant information between the hospital treatment team and legal representatives while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and hospital policy

* Assists with the preparation, organization and distribution of required documentation related to court proceedings.

* Supports patients with access to legal representation by coordinating community with attorneys and scheduling attorney client meetings as appropriate.

* Maintains accurate records of court dates, legal communications, and outcomes relevant to patient care and treatment planning.

Other information:

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

* Bachelor's degree in Education

* Valid state teaching license (middle and/or high school certification).

* Knowledge of IEPs, 504 Plans, and special education regulations.

* Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.

* Ability to work effectively with students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

Preferred

* Master's degree in Education

* Experience working with adolescents in behavioral health, alternative education, or therapeutic settings preferred.

Legal Employer: Pardee - HCHC

Entity: Pardee UNC Health Care

Organization Unit: Pardee Adolescent Behavior Health Unit Admin

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: PARDEEHOSP

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.