CDOC-State Teacher I: JCAP Instructor

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This DOC Educational Department exists to reduce offender recidivism by delivering outcome- and evidence-based Academic, Social Science, and Career and Technical Education programs. Through targeted instruction and practical vocational training, the unit ensures offenders gain marketable, entry-level job skills necessary to secure employment and maintain stability upon re-entering the community. This position exists to provide tailored classroom and individualized instruction in academic subjects, cognitive life skills, and re-entry programming. By guiding individuals through structured coursework, this role prepares offenders to earn Independent Living certifications and successfully reintegrate into society as self-sufficient community members.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in an education related field.
• Must possess at least one of the following credentials: Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher License (Individuals with a Colorado Initial License upon hire must obtain the Colorado Professional Teacher License within three (3) years of date of hire), Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABE), Colorado Interim Authorization (out of state applicants may be eligible).
• Individuals who possess a Colorado Initial License upon hire must obtain the Colorado Professional Teacher License within three (3) years of date of hire.
• Significant knowledge of effective teaching strategies, methods and techniques.
• Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills.
• Effectual conflict resolution skills.
• Strong self motivation skills.
• Highly effective organizing, planning and prioritizing skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Proficiency in office technologies especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Precise attention to details.
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift.
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language.
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application.
• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics.
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics.
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security.
• Successfully complete a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• CDE endorsement in Special Education
• CDE endorsement in English
• CDE endorsement in Mathematics
• Masters degree in Education or related field
• Experience teaching and assessing high risk or incarcerated adults or youth.

Responsibilities

• Instruct inmate students toward achieving completion of Independent Living based competencies.
• Provide classroom and individualized instruction in academic, cognitive education/life skills and re-entry programming to assist inmates in obtaining an Independent Living certificate of completion and/or successful reintegration back into society.
• Determine educational needs of inmate students to develop short and long term goals.
• Develop lesson plans utilizing approved curriculum, materials and strategies designed to improve student academic progression.
• Offer four phases of mastery-based instruction that cover topics such as Healthy Living, Life Skills, Career Development, Technology and Financial Literacy.
• Teach lessons through immersion-based instruction utilizing Chromebook, virtual reality equipment, classroom and clinician-led instruction.
• Create individualized instruction plans (IIP) for new inmates following initial educational assessments.
• Provide educational guidance and counseling to individual offenders through one-on-one interviews and collaborate with other relevant staff to refer students to other correctional areas.
• Work collaboratively with the Social worker to deliver the curriculum to ensure all aspects of the inmate's mental health and educational needs are met.
• Properly submit and maintain all educational records such as grades, test scores, attendance, progression and assessment scores.
• Work cooperatively with supervisory personnel to ensure responsible and appropriate management of supplies and equipment.
• Actively contributes to the safety and security of the facility through effective inmate management and promoting conflict resolution and solutions.
• Encourages and promotes critical thinking, self discipline and self motivation for the inmate student population in order to provide the skills necessary to reintegrate into society.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintains safety and security by training inmates; and occasionally or in an emergent situation perform inmate counts, shakedowns, searches, escorts, movement control, and inmate access to classrooms.
• Promotes a safe and secure work environment through conscientious observation and adherence to agency Administrative Regulations and the Code of Penal Discipline.

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Short and long term disability coverage.
• Paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level