Pierce College District Looking for Basic Skills Instructor/ Assistant Professor at the Special Commitment Center, McNeil Island Full Time

About the District: Pierce College is a vibrant learning institution committed to enhancing our local and global communities. As part of the community and technical college system in Washington State, the District includes Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College Puyallup, as well as other comprehensive extended learning offerings. We invite applications from qualified individuals who value student and colleague engagement and are interested in working within an outcome and evidence-based learning-centered environment that is diverse and innovative. This position will be working at the Special Commitment Center (SCC) on McNeil Island, one of the extended learning opportunities through Pierce College.

About the Program: 

The successful candidate will join the district’s Extended Learning Division and teach as a contracted instructor at the Special Commitment Center, developing curriculum, teaching, and assessing student learning. The SCC is a highly secure behavioral health facility for civilly committed sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences (RCW 71.09). This position reports to the Pierce College Education Director at the Special Commitment Center and must interact with students, faculty and staff of the college, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and SCC clinical and residential staff. Work is assigned according to the Interagency Agreement between Pierce College and DSHS/SCC under supervision of the Education Director.

This specially funded contract is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding and sufficient student enrollment and may be terminated at any time funds become unavailable to support the position or due to insufficient student enrollment.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities of the successful candidate include:(a) Instruction. Develop curricula as needed.(b) Psycho-Educational Modules. Facilitate two (2) Psycho-Educational Modules during each six-month period to be offered as part of Residents’ treatment programs. This module shall be determined by SCC Chief of Resident Treatment in collaboration with the Contractor.(c) Technology Lab. Instruct SCC Residents in the appropriate use of computer technology to support class objectives, fulfill treatment goals, and prepare Residents for possible transition into the community.(d) Media Lab. Instruct Residents in using existing closed-circuit network to create educational, self-help, and entertainment programming. Each program shall be subject to review, approval, and revision at the discretion of the SCC Chief of Resident Treatment or Authorized Designee.(e) Workshops. Facilitate educational workshops for SCC Residents in the areas of media and culture, arts and literature, sports and recreation, history and current events, and science and philosophy, as requested.(f) Adult Basic Education (ABE) Courses. Instruct High Acuity Residents in ABE courses that meet requirements of the Washington State Office of Adult Literacy Basic Skills Competencies(g) General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Preparation. Instruct Residents in areas as needed to qualify and test for a GED.(h) College Courses. Facilitate all 100- and 200-level academic courses required for SCC Residents to earn Associate Degrees.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:-Master of Education; OR Master of Arts in Teaching and secondary teaching certification in Washington State; OR Bachelor’s degree with secondary teaching certification in Washington State

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:-Ability to develop individualized educational plans and teaching strategies-Ability to critically understand and value cultural differences and identities; recognize power, positionality and privilege-Maintain professional boundaries-Communicate with and assist residents with a variety of behavioral and educational needs-Demonstrate awareness and understanding of historically disadvantaged populations, and create an educational environment that affirms commitment to equity and diversity

Preferred Experience:-Experience teaching basic skills to students-Experience teaching in correctional education and/or mental health-Experience using Adobe Premier Pro and Adobe Encoder software (CS6 version)-Knowledge of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) SVP 71.09 Special Requirements and/or Conditions of Employment:-Must pass the Special Commitment Center’s new employee orientation-Must pass in-depth Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks and maintain access to the SCC-Must be able to maintain access to the Special Commitment CenterApplication Process

To be considered for this position, applicants must include the following items in their application package:

1. Letter of formal application that addresses how your experience and education qualifies you to perform the assigned responsibilities (Cover Letter)2. Response to the following: Describe strategies you use to engage students from diverse backgrounds and educational preparation (Supplemental Question)3. Detailed resume of all educational and professional experience, which includes licensing and certifications (Résumé)4. Copies of all college and university transcripts. International transcripts much include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit:https://www.naces.org/members. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application; official transcripts required prior to hire) (Transcripts)5. A list of four current professional references with name, relationship to candidate, address, email address, and telephone number. Please do not submit letters of recommendation (References)

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, specially funded, faculty position for 220 contracted days per year. The work schedule is four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday, including 1 evening shift a week. Scheduled hours may vary with occasional evening work and travel between Pierce College campuses/sites. Travel may occur as required for attendance at events. A competitive benefits package is included.

This specially funded contract is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding and sufficient student enrollment and may be terminated at any time funds become unavailable to support the position or due to insufficient student enrollment.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state’s free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned. 

Conditions of Employment

Physical Work Environment: work is performed in an office and instructional setting. The Special Commitment Center is a maximum-security mental health facility that houses and treats residents (sexually violent predators) who have demonstrated behavioral issues relating to safety, security and rule compliance. The incumbent must be able to board/depart a ferry via a ramp and be able to travel from the McNeil Island dock to the Special Commitment Center, a distance approximately one quarter of a mile.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW28B.112.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Pierce College Federation of Teachers (PCFT).

Equal Opportunity 

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices for all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: [email protected] 

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following: 

Sean Cooke, Title IX Coordinator (253) 840-8472

Tami Jacobs, ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator (253) 964-6581

Deena Forsythe, Interim Vice President for Human Resources (253) 964-6586 

Paula Henson-Williams, District Affirmative Action Officer (253) 864-3229