About Mountain Lake Academy
Mountain Lake Academy is a year-round, experiential-based boarding school dedicated to supporting boys in grades 7–12. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks, our program leverages the power of the great outdoors to foster lasting personal growth. Our students engage in a wide range of activities—including hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and multi-day expeditions—designed to build resilience, life skills, and a sense of achievement.
What You’ll Do (The Role)
As a Residential Guide/Phase Leader, you will provide direct care, structure, and mentorship for a small, dedicated group of approximately 6 students. You will be the primary anchor for these young men, leading them through daily routines, therapeutic milestones, and outdoor adventures to ensure a safe, supportive, and cohesive environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Direct Student Mentorship: Serve as the primary leader and role model for a small "phase" of roughly 6 students, cultivating close, trusting relationships and guiding their individual progress.
- Daily Milestones & Care: Oversee the day-to-day residential routine, behavior management, and therapeutic experiences of your specific student group.
- Experiential Facilitation: Actively lead and participate alongside your students in outdoor recreational activities and multi-day expeditions that align with our experiential mission.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with Team Leaders and clinical staff to communicate student progress, implement individualized care plans, and maintain a high standard of safety.
What You’ll Bring (Skills & Experience)
- Relational Leadership: A proven ability to connect deeply with youth, build healthy boundaries, and guide a small peer group through challenges.
- Experiential & Outdoor Expertise: Passion and skill in outdoor recreation (e.g., hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and multi-day expeditions) and a desire to share that passion with students.
- Safety & Growth Mindset: A commitment to maintaining a safe, structured environment where students can build resilience and achieve lasting personal change.
- Crisis Management: Strong de-escalation skills and the ability to maintain composure during behavioral challenges.
What We’re Looking For (Requirements)
- Experience: Experience working with youth in a residential, wilderness, outdoor education, or youth-services setting (direct care experience preferred).
- Education: Degree or coursework in Human Services, Outdoor Leadership, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Clinical/Behavioral Skill: Knowledge of or a strong desire to learn effective strategies for working with students with emotional, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities.
- Compliance: Valid New York State driver’s license and successful completion of a background check per NYS regulations.
What We Offer
- Work-Life Balance: A predictable, full-time, 4-day workweek.
- Compensation: Competitive salary, uniquely tailored to your experience and position.
- Perks: Complimentary meals while on shift.
- Growth: Clear pathways and opportunities for professional advancement (including tracking toward Team Leader roles).
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead, inspire, and explore, we want to hear from you. Please submit a letter of interest and your updated resume to:
Mountain Lake Academy is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Pay: $24.04 - $30.28 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
