EDUCATOR (CAREER AND TECHNICAL)

Position Overview

Under general supervision of the Principal (Public Service Administrator), provides educational and occupational instruction in all career and technical areas including but not limited to Building Trades, Computer Skills, Culinary Arts, Horticulture, Landscaping and other areas that apply.  Teaches vocational subject matter theory and information using standard professional educator skills; instructs students in areas of vocational and technical development; modifies methods according to student needs and abilities to promote the rehabilitation, daily living and prevocational skills of students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities; prepares and maintains Individualized Educational Plans (IEP's) for assigned students; implements individualized vocational programs related to student needs; provides appropriate occupational instruction to develop marketable skills and knowledges to facilitate entry into a vocation and/or career; and evaluates student progress.

Job Responsibilities

1. Teaches assigned students vocational subjects.
2. Observes and evaluates each students learning potential and progress by administering appropriate educational and vocational/career achievement tests.
3. Prepares a system of inventory control and supply and equipment maintenance.
4. Prepares and keeps detailed records and reports on attendance.
5. Participates and provides leadership when requested in workshops, related training and professional meetings to further acquire skills and knowledge of current and developing concepts related to education in general as well as career/technical concepts and ideas.
6. Counsels and guides students regarding meaningful educational, career/technical, vocational and occupational subject matter.
7. Performs other duties as required and/or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires possession of a current, valid Educator License with Stipulations issued by ISBE appropriately endorsed for Career Technical Educator and each grade level, content area and instructional area approved and assigned to work.

Preferred Qualifications (In Order of Significance)

1. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing practices, methods, tools, and materials of one of the trades commonly taught in career and technical education.
2. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing and creating classroom procedures and techniques for instructing students.
3. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience communicating with, and teaching, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.
4. Prefers at least two (2) years of experience working with at risk individuals with a wide range of behavior.
5. Prefers at least one (1) year of previous experience maintaining discipline, safety, and an effective learning environment with at risk youth.
6. Prefers at least one (1) year of previous experience utilizing tools, materials and equipment associated with the trade.
7. Prefers at least one (1) year of experience instructing students in the proper, safe, and skillful use of provided tools, materials, and equipment.
8. Prefers at least one (1) year of previous professional working experience preparing reports.
9. Prefers at least one (1) year of previous working experience evaluating training progress using suitable performance measures.
10. Prefers previous experience maintaining effective relationships between at risk individuals, staff, and families.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
2. Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
3. Requires ability to successfully complete continuing education requirements mandated by Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to maintain current licensure.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes. Over 900 staff members from across various departments—security, programming, education, mental health, and more—collaborate with the understanding that youth are physically, emotionally, and cognitively different from adults. The department provides extensive services to young people through a developmental, treatment-focused model of care that builds youth resiliency, engages families, and promotes community safety at the five youth facilities it operates across the state. IDJJ serves and houses approximately 150 youth and is responsible for approximately 500 youth on Aftercare in various Illinois’ communities.