Correctional Educator

Iowa Western Community College (IA); Clarinda (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Western Community College seeks a Correctional Educator to instruct incarcerated learners in HiSET, Literacy, ABE, and Vocational areas within the Clarinda Correctional Facility. The role emphasizes maintaining a secure classroom and administering progress assessments.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree, successful teaching experience, and IDOC background checks. Training includes the three-week IDOC NET, with driving responsibilities and ability to operate in a correctional setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience teaching in corrections or related field preferred.
• Approved IDOC background check required.
• Able to complete IDOC NET training in Des Moines.
• Pass background check and have valid U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to incarcerated individuals in HiSET, Literacy, ABE, and/or Vocational.
• Administer CASAS assessments and track progress.
• Maintain secure, orderly classroom and manage attendance records.
• Attend professional development and staff training.
• Perform other educational duties as assigned by Educational Coordinator.
• Make decisions in matters of significance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Correctional setting

Professional boundaries

Effective communication

Team collaboration

HS subjects mastery

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Correctional Educator takes Iowa Western Community College’s mission to “empower learners, advance communities, and improve lives” into a critical field of opportunity: Clarinda Correctional Facility. The Correctional Educator works closely with incarcerated individuals in a classroom setting within the prison to provide instruction in High School Equivalency, Literacy, Adult Basic Education, and/or Vocational Training.

• Demonstrates IWCC’s core mission, vision, and values

Classroom Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to incarcerated individuals in assigned content areas (HiSET, Literacy, ABE, and/or Vocational)
• Provide initial and student progress assessments through CASAS tests
• Maintain an orderly and secure classroom environment
• Keep attendance and student records

Correctional Procedures

• Adhere to standard Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) security practices
• Secure and maintain possession of assigned radio, key set, and pepper spray (if chosen to carry)
• Proper handling of sensitive offender information
• Complete quarterly personal safety refresher course

Other Responsibilities

• Attend professional development and staff training meetings
• Perform other educational duties as deemed necessary by the Educational Coordinator
• Other duties as assigned
• Can make decisions in matters of significance

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Successful teaching experience
• Approved IDOC background check
• Ability to complete three-week IDOC New Employee Training (NET) in Des Moines
• Ability to pass a background check, have a valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Good attention to detail and situational awareness
• Ability to function effectively in a correctional setting
• Ability to maintain appropriate, professional boundaries with incarcerated individuals
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience of varied skills, backgrounds, and values
• Willingness to cooperate with and learn from fellow staff members
• Sufficient mastery of high-school level Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science

Preference given to licensed educators and/or candidates with experience in high-stress fields

• This position requires normal office and light work, including the ability to lift up to 10 pounds
• The employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, telephone, and basic office equipment
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
• The employee must have the ability to drive a company-owned or personal vehicle
• The employee must have a reasonable capacity to perform self-defense maneuvers
• Required personal safety refresher courses involve blocking, striking, and kicking