Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00263306

Description Activated On:  1/12/2026 3:10:09 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 This position provides special education classes instruction to inmate students at the Department of Corrections (DOC) State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Houtzdale.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

30% Evaluates and determines inmate potential for consideration and placement within the

program's curriculum. Adapts curriculum materials to meet the needs of students based on

screening/placement assessment results. Selects and/or develops a variety of teaching

techniques and approaches in presenting materials on an instructional level to meet the needs

of the learner.


30% Provides classroom and shop instruction in a variety of subjects and skillsets. Assigns and

evaluates homework. Develops and administers tests and quizzes to assess student growth

during and after completion of curriculum. Provides final evaluations for each enrolled student.


20% Updates and maintains inmate education records in accordance with applicable DOC and

SCI policies, procedures, and guidelines. Maintains student attendance, inventory, and payroll

records. Orders classroom supplies, materials, and equipment by accurately completing forms

according to prescribed procedures and deadlines.


15% Monitors inmate behavior and establishes classroom rules and procedures to maintain an

effective learning environment. Issues and inventories all materials and tools used during the

classroom training and work assignments and immediately reports any missing tools in

accordance with established policies and procedures. Disciplines disruptive students by taking

appropriate corrective action and documenting said actions.


5% Performs other related duties as assigned.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Exercise therapeutic care, custody, and control over inmates.

2. Teach a variety of special education classes to inmates.

3. Maintain an active Instructional 1 or 2 certification issued by the PA Department of Education

in accordance with assigned work.

4. Reach, bend, stoop, pull, push, kneel, lift, climb, and grasp.

5. Spend prolonged periods of time standing or walking.

6. Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

7. Operate basic office equipment.

8. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

9. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

10. Visually observe inmates’ activities.

11. Attend and participate in all mandatory training and/or testing.

12. Be mobile over all types of physical surfaces and levels.

13. Hear and identify sounds (voices, whistle, buzzer, lock release, scuffling, sudden quiet).

14. Work overtime in compliance with provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

15. Travel as required.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

This position independently determines appropriate teaching methods and adaptations to curriculum established by the Division of Correction Education (DCE). This position also determines appropriate classroom procedures and processes in accordance with DOC policies. This position provides input to departmental procedures, policies, and curriculum for consideration by higher-level administrators. This position seeks guidance from an administrative superior for any issues that cannot be independently resolved in accordance with applicable policies. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences, and achievement of established objectives.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Attain or be eligible to attain an active Instructional 1 or 2 certification issued by the PA Department of Education in accordance with assigned work.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
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