Instructor Assistant - Henning, TN

Instructor Assistant - Henning, TN

Reports To

Education Coordinator

Who is Persevere?

Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to decreasing recidivism and increasing successful reentry and transition for men and women involved in the criminal justice system.  To accomplish this, Persevere offers a customizable, comprehensive program for criminal-justice involved individuals to develop meaningful job skills and gain successful access to the labor market.  These services include software coding classes; job readiness and employability instruction, including life skills and financial education; work experience; job search and job placement; entrepreneurship training; and for some, a residential transition program.

National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed.  Criminal justice involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release.  They have an immediate disadvantage because of their criminal justice involvement, and must compete with non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs.  Even when they are successful at finding a job, keeping it is another challenge.  As a result, many are unable to comply with the conditions of parole and end up back in prison.

Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity

Job Overview

The Instructor Assistant works inside the prison classroom in Henning, TN supporting Persevere students as they work through the Persevere Coding Curriculum under the guidance of an in-person or remote instructor.  This is a full-time, exempt position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, matching 401k and generous paid time off plan.  This position requires the ability to pass our and our client’s background check and drug screen. 

Job Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this role but may vary site to site.

Classroom Management

Sign for keys and radio (if required)

Open classroom daily

Take Attendance

Order meals for class (as required)

Conduct count/outcount procedures (as required)

Ensure the classroom is safe and secure and students adhere to policy

Manage the day to day operations of the classroom 

Technical Support

Ensure setup of A/V equipment for remote instruction and outside guest speakers

Troubleshoot technical issues that may arise and direct issue to appropriate staff member

Use Vant4gePoint (or other designated data system) to track participant progress

Participant Support

Develop a relationship of trust with each student

Monitor the attitude, effort,  and stress of participants and provide feedback to program management

Provide individualized support to students as needed

Program Support

Maintain a positive relationship with facility staff

Communicate classroom status and needs to program management in a timely manner

Communicate with the Instructor, Case Manager, Technology Employment Specialist in a timely manner

Input progress notes on participants to share with case management team

Assist in the presentation of Career Readiness materials

Assist in the presentation of Reentry documentation for participants

Recruitment

Maintain understanding of student eligibility criteria

Participate in recruitment of students

Review applications for completeness, accuracy, and eligibility

Assist with coordination of interviews

Instruction (if able and as needed)

Familiar with PCC, Persevere Plus and Career Readiness Curriculum

Maintain accurate records of student progress

Teach Intro to Tech

Teach Career Readiness

Maintain competency in each major PCC module

Grade assessments and assignments as required

Serve as classroom instructor in their absence

Provide feedback on curriculum development and platform development

Personal

Participate in required training for the facility

Complete corporate training on a timely basis

Actively participate in all staff meetings

Accurately complete timesheet as required

Participate in cross training of Persevere staff

Interact with staff and student in a trauma-informed, racially-equitable, and gender-responsive manner

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of coding experience desireable but not required.

• Experience teaching a technical curriculum desirable but not required.

• Reliability and the ability to report to work daily.

• Reliable transportation to and from the work site.

• Ability to work while intermittently sitting and standing for extended periods.

• Ability to work independently and effectively with a diverse group of students.

• Professional verbal and written communication skills.

• Good organizational skills.

We highly value

• Passion for and responsibility to the customer/partner

• Must be self-starting, hardworking and inquisitive

• Leadership through innovation in everything you do

• Passion for what you do and being self-reflective  to improve

• Relentless commitment to win

• Personal and corporate integrity