Craft Instructor - AOE International - Illinois Department of Corrections Returning Residents P[...]

TLN Worldwide Enterprises, Inc; Illinois; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A community development organization is seeking a knowledgeable Craft Instructor to deliver hands-on training resulting in NCCER Core credential attainment and OSHA-10 certifications. This role emphasizes practical skills instruction tailored to justice-impacted learners. The ideal candidate will implement safety procedures and utilize adult-learning strategies to support participants effectively. Prior teaching experience in construction or related fields is essential, and candidates should be NCCER Certified. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a correctional setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years teaching or journey-level field experience in construction/crafts or energy.
• Ability to assess skills for credential attainment.
• Experience delivering NCCER Core modules.
• 3+ years teaching or journey-level field experience in construction/crafts, energy, or facilities trades.
• Demonstrated success teaching adult learners; ability to differentiate instruction and assess skills for credential attainment.
• Bilingual abilities preferred; experience with justice-impacted communities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver NCCER Core modules and OSHA‑10 instruction.
• Implement strict safety and tool control procedures.
• Provide individualized support plans for participants.
• Align lesson plans to credential standards and program outcomes.
• Prepare printed packets for continuity during facility lockdowns.
• Coordinate daily with facility staff on schedules and safety checks.
• Complete attendance, assessment, and credentialing documentation.
• Support transition services (resume touch-points, mock interviews) with program staff.

Skills

NCCER Core training

OSHA Authorized Trainer

First Aid/CPR instruction

Adult learning strategies

Teamwork and communication

Bilingual Abilities

Education

NCCER Certified Craft Instructor (CCI)

First Aid/CPR Instructor certification

Job description

AOE International is a non-profit organization focused on community support and development, with a strong emphasis on workforce development and education. We partner with various organizations to address social needs, including poverty, access to resources, and educational opportunities.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Craft Instructor to provide career support services for our program participants. The Craft Instructor delivers hands‑on, in‑person training leading to NCCER Core credential attainment and the OSHA‑10 and First Aid/CPR certifications for justice‑impacted learners within the Vienna Correctional Center. The role blends practical skills instruction, strict safety/tool‑control, and culturally responsive teaching tailored to adult learners preparing for reentry and employment in clean‑energy and related trades.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Deliver NCCER Core modules (Orientation to the Construction Trades; Basic Safety; Construction Math; Hand/Power Tools; Construction Drawings; Communication; Employability; Material Handling), with lecture, demonstration, and hands‑on labs.
• Teach and proctor OSHA‑10 General Industry/Construction content per authorized‑trainer requirements; prepare learners for the DOL OSHA‑10 card.
• Provide First Aid/CPR instruction and skills checks leading to recognized certification (e.g., American Heart Association, American Red Cross).
• Align lesson plans, tasks, performance profiles, and assessments to credential standards and the Clean Jobs bridge‑program outcomes (essential employability skills + safety).
• Prepare printed packets/assignments for continuity of learning during facility lockdowns.

Safety, Security & Tool Control

• Implement strict tool/equipment inventory and control procedures; maintain secure storage (crib closets/cages) and daily logs.
• Enforce all IDOC and program safety rules (PPE, housekeeping, incident reporting) and model safe work practices at all times.
• Maintain an OSHA‑compliant training environment and respond to emergencies per facility protocol.

Learner Support & Equity

• Use adult‑learning and trauma‑informed, strengths‑based strategies; scaffold math/reading as needed; provide tutoring and make‑up sessions.
• Embed essential employability skills (communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, workplace professionalism) throughout labs and scenarios.
• Monitor progress against NCCER performance profiles; provide timely feedback, re‑testing opportunities, and individualized support plans.

Coordination & Compliance

• Coordinate daily with facility staff on schedules, participant movement, room utilization, and safety checks; maintain constant instructor presence during instructional hours.
• Complete required attendance, assessment, and credentialing documentation; support data entry for performance reporting.
• Support transition services (resume touch‑points, mock interviews) in collaboration with program staff prior to release; contribute to warm handoffs to external partners.
• Participate in required professional development and technical assistance sessions.

Requirements

• NCCER Certified Craft Instructor (CCI) (current) with verifiable experience delivering NCCER Core and completing Performance Profiles.
• OSHA Authorized Trainer (Construction or General Industry) eligible to issue OSHA‑10 cards.
• First Aid/CPR Instructor certification (AHA, ARC, or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 60 days.
• 3+ years teaching or journey‑level field experience in construction/crafts, energy, or facilities trades (or equivalent combination).
• Demonstrated success teaching adult learners; ability to differentiate instruction and assess skills for credential attainment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in carceral or reentry settings; familiarity with the Vienna Correctional Center environment and procedures.
• Experience integrating employability skills and coaching justice‑impacted learners toward job readiness.
• Bilingual abilities; lived experience or prior service with justice‑impacted communities.