Education Program Specialist - Bisbee Jail/Sierra Vista

NATURE OF WORK:   Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in the instruction and administration of the adult, basic, and special educational programs for inmates at the Cochise County Jail.  Serves as liaison between probation officers in Pinal County and secondary educational leaders in Cochise County to ensure smooth transition of juvenile detention students returning to their home district or another appropriate program.As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.
 
TYPICAL DUTIES:  (Illustrative Only)  Administers primary educational assessment and develops an individual education plan for each inmate with  basic and special education needs upon entering into the County Jail; promotes learning by utilizing a number of standardized techniques or practices; coordinates classroom schedules; meets monthly with program special educator for curriculum validation and reports; maintains accurate and complete records; compiles and prepares reports; responds to requests for information or services; makes telephone calls to parents of juvenile inmates as needed; GED administration (pre-test & test); enforces safety and security rules of the County Jail; accountable for all materials used for instructional purposes. Performs related work as assigned. Bachelor’s degree in education or related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education; two year of experience working as an instructor in a classroom environment; must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application. Successful candidate must successfully pass an extensive background investigation performed by the Sheriff’s Department to include a psychological evaluation and polygraph examination. 

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved may be considered.

Preferred qualifications: Preference may be given to individuals who have a current teaching certification and individuals who are able to read, write, and speak Spanish.Practical knowledge of:

• principles, practices, policies and procedures as they apply to a detention facility;
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation;
• basic mathematical principles;
• principles, practices and procedures of physical security;
• human behavior and various social, economic and cultural backgrounds

Working skill in:

• principles and techniques of basic education and/or special education;
• basic principles of instructing;
• supervising the educational activities of inmates.

Ability to:

• deal impartially with inmates of various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
• effectively impart knowledge to others in basic and/or special education skills;
• conduct instructional sessions;
• develop training schedules;
• evaluate data collected to develop and prepare concise recordkeeping, make recommendations and prepare reports in a timely manner;
• work in a closed environment;
• establish and maintain effective professional relationship with inmates, employees, other agencies, and the public;
• read, write and speak English;
• follow written and verbal instruction;
• communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Salary : $30,000 - $60,000