EDUCATOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION)

Position Overview:

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a motivated and passionate Educator to join our team! The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for instructing students in their assigned curriculum area by utilizing developmental teaching methods and techniques that are current with teaching methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to set student goals, implement behavioral techniques and goals, work with the school principal, fellow teachers, administrators, and counselors while providing supportive supervision. If you meet the requirements and have previous experience preparing and executing diagnostic test instruments, evaluating testing on a follow-up basis, gauging the rate and scope of students’ progress, and maximizing student potential than this opportunity is for you. We encourage all qualified and interested individuals to apply!

Essential Functions:

• Administers classroom and individual specialized ABE/GED level instruction to participating learning disabled and behavior disordered students (subject area can be specialized or inclusive of all academic study topics of elementary/secondary level education).

• Within the purview of the Core Curriculum policy, develops curricula for each assigned teaching subject and approximate grade level.

• Develops examination tools designed to measure each students’ strengths, weaknesses, and progress.

• Prepares and keeps detailed records and reports on attendance, achievement, and individual progress and needs of the students.

• Directs students in recreational, social, or other extracurricular activities.

• Attends and participates in discussion and planning at regular teachers’ meetings, including counselor-teacher meetings, team meetings, and staff development.

• Participates in various institutional committees such as the assignment or adjustment committees.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires possession of a current and valid Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) endorsement in the appropriate content area in which the individual is approved to work

Preferred Qualifications: (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing behavior modification principles.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience implementing educational support to students with extreme and profound emotional impairments.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience evaluating students by utilizing provided tools and/or programs to assist in behavioral objective creation. 
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience evaluating students’ individual educational needs.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience guiding and directing staff regarding the necessary training and educational development of a student.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience with Microsoft Word and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience with Microsoft Excel and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience with Microsoft Outlook and/or equivalent computer software.
• Prefers the ability to demonstrate patience and tolerance with a wide range of behavior.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.
• Requires ability to use the English language in preparing and delivering instructions.
• Requires the ability to comply with all local and federal health requirements and/or mandates.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.

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.