Education Services Specialist

PERIODIC SCREENINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNTIL THE VACANCY IS CLOSED

JOB SUMMARY

This position is within Public Services of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) and serves as an Education Services Specialist in the Adult Learning Department (ALD). DCPL System serves the entire Washington metropolitan area. The Library System comprises the Central Library, 25 neighborhood branch libraries, and employs approximately 600 employees. The DCPL is making a number of service improvements and embarking on a major transformation into a 21st century library system. The new state-of-the-art system will have innovative programs, advanced technology, expanded literacy services, modern and welcoming facilities, and robust collections, as well as serve as a national model for libraries around the nation.

The Adult Learning Department has two divisions: Adult Literacy and Digital Training. The Adult Literacy Division offers services such as book discussions, English Conversation Circles for non-native speakers of English, outreach, the GED Ready Practice Test, and individualized tutoring for eligible customers. The Digital Training Division offers over 20 different computer classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels in Microsoft and Google applications. Credentialing services include the NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessment and earning certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist.

The Education Services Specialist is responsible for planning and delivering quality instruction to adult education learners who are pursuing a high school diploma and/or basic academic skills in writing, reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and social studies. This position helps fulfill the mission of the department by providing instruction for the tutoring services.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICES

Chief T. Alston | Public Service Announcement

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for instruction by performing a variety of functions requiring professional knowledge in the field of adult basic education.
• Administers assessments to determine skill level and tutoring eligibility of customers. Provides advising support to customers, including assessment score interpretation, referral to local literacy services and guidance in next steps.
• Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, Adult Education standards, student needs, and curriculum goals.
• Evaluates student progress; provides specific evaluative feedback; maintains accurate and complete records, including attendance records.
• Delivery of instruction in the subjects of Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, English and Reading for GED requirements; assign and monitor GED Ready Practice tests for learners.
• Provide CASAS test preparation lessons and activities that increase the likelihood of assessment outcome.
• Keep students(s) informed about their progress throughout their tutoring session.
• Create a positive learning environment that promotes high expectations and provides opportunities for all students to experience success.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a Master’s in Education or related field
• Five (5) years or more of progressive experience in teaching GED or CASAS.
• Knowledge of teaching techniques, theories, and subject matter; and ability to instruct groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate knowledge and competence of adult educational theory and andragogy, standardized assessments used in adult education, such as the GED preparation, CASAS, TABE, and other similar tests.
• Ability to use technology proficiently for instruction and student reporting purposes.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and originality in designing and implementing programs for adult learners and ABE practitioners.
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, and complete assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing.
• Ability to oversee and guide volunteers and other Adult Learning staff, when necessary.
• Demonstrates instructional skills that include the ability to explain difficult concepts and the ability to engage students of different abilities and backgrounds in learning course objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse young adult learners, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners.
• Strong cultural competency skills, including excellent ability to communicate with diverse adult learners, teachers, library personnel, and customers from diverse educational, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Possesses at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (CS 9) | Applicable to District Government applicants only.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Adult Basic Education and/or Adult Education

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) or must be able to obtain the certification within a year of the appointment date.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office setting. May be required to travel between the DC Public Library’s 26 branch location.

DISTRICT REFERENCE CHECK

All applicants who are current or former District of Columbia Government employees will be subject to a background examination prior to the issuance of a conditional offer of employment. This review will include coordination with District agencies where the applicant is currently or was previously employed. The purpose of this examination is to verify the applicant’s employment standing and determine eligibility for rehire, reassignment, or promotion within the District government. Applicants found not to be in good standing may be deemed ineligible for further consideration.

By applying to this vacancy announcement, you hereby authorize the District of Columbia Public Library to conduct a background examination and reference check, including coordination with any District agencies where you are currently or was previously employed, to verify your employment standing and assess your eligibility for continued employment consideration.

GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING

This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

ENHANCED SUITABILITY SCREENING

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Type of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment

Tour of Duty/Schedule: Rotating shifts, but not limited to working evenings, weekends, and coverage during busy periods

Location: Primarily Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with the flexibility to travel to all 26 branch locations as needed

Department: Public Services

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement

Promotion Potential: None

Appointed Salary: The selected incumbent will be appointed at the appropriate salary rate of CS 11

Budgeted Salary: The anticipated proposed budgeted salary range for this position is annually and will range from $74,893 to $84,517. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We appreciate every applicant’s interest. However, only those who meet the qualifications and are considered by the hiring committee or interview panel will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 950) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.