Teacher/Academic Coordinator - PEL Required

Academic Coordinator

At SunCloud, we understand the importance of comprehensive evaluation, accurate determination of the appropriate level of care based on clinical condition, building integrated care teams around our patient's condition, and providing a healing space – all optimally designed to treat the whole person. We believe integrated and continuous care is the key to helping our patients achieve and maintain long term health and wellness.

The Academic Coordinator supports adolescents ages 12–18 receiving care in our Partial Hospitalization Program by facilitating a structured, 1-hour academic session each treatment day. This role serves as a vital bridge between the student's home school and their treatment plan, providing individualized academic support, educational continuity, and advocacy during treatment.

Ideal candidates will hold a valid teaching certificate or possess a strong background in education, with experience or demonstrated sensitivity in working with adolescents in behavioral health or special education settings.

The hours are somewhat flexible, but the ideal candidate will be available for about 20hrs/wk in the morning and early afternoon Monday through Friday. This position will run during the academic year (August through June).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily 1-hour academic sessions tailored to each patient's academic plan, emotional needs, and functional capacity.
• Conduct or facilitate additional groups, classes, and sessions as indicated by the adolescent program.
• Coordinate with each adolescent's home school district, guidance counselor, and/or teachers to gather assignments, assess academic progress, and maintain educational continuity.
• Provide academic guidance, organizational strategies, and individualized support across a variety of subjects and grade levels (middle school through high school).
• Collaborate closely with the clinical care team, including therapists to align academic plans with treatment goals.
• Communicate with families to provide updates on academic progress and support strategies for reintegration into school post-discharge.
• Assist in tracking and documenting attendance, session content, and progress toward academic goals.
• Adapt instruction to accommodate learning differences, IEP/504 accommodations, and mental health needs.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and emotionally supportive learning environment.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings as needed to advocate for the educational needs of each student.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, or related field required; Illinois teaching license required
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with adolescents; experience in behavioral health, special education, or hospital settings strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of academic accommodations, IEP/504 planning, and school reintegration processes.
• Excellent communication, flexibility, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage a small-group learning environment with compassion, clarity, and firm boundaries.

Working Conditions:

• Work is conducted in a clinical day-treatment setting.
• Role requires flexibility, empathy, and the ability to respond to students in emotional or behavioral distress.
• Part-time position; hours may be expanded based on patient census and program needs.