Position Duties

An Education Employment Specialist, under the classification of a Correctional Case Management Specialist Trainee, is the entry-level of work in assessing, evaluating, developing, and monitoring appropriate educational programs.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

• Required to attend formal training courses at the Maryland Correctional Training Academy for physical readiness.  It is important to demonstrate physical capabilities required for defensive tactics.  The academy ensures the strength, agility and endurance needed to effectively respond to emergencies and execute trained self-defense techniques.
• Responsible for student engagement and continuum of services.
• Direct contact with participants to develop Employment and Education Plans.
• Identify resources that address individual needs such as personal strengths, conflict resolution, self-esteem enhancements, life skills, daily decision-making, and other prison to community life stability and developmental skills.
• Meets with appropriate institution staff, collateral agencies, and CBOs advocating for participant resources and services and disseminating information.
• Provide post-release follow-up and wrap-around services to include community resources information including housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, health, religious/spiritual and other resources.
• Compiles statistical data by keeping detailed records relating to Higher Education and Occupational training programs as a reporting requirement for BJA Grant and DPSCS Education and Employment project.  
• Data Collection should include but is not limited to number of individuals referred to receive education and employment services; number of educational/training events provided; number of individuals referred to the Labor Re-Entry Navigator; track participant contact hours; and maintain an agency/CBO contact log.  
• Work with DPSCS administrative staff to complete Monthly, Quarterly and Annual reports.
• Works with administrative staff to plan, establish, and modify the programs and services offered by the EES to meet the requirements of the assigned grant.
• Assists in the creation of marketing tools, implementation of policies and procedures, and modification of services provided.  
• Ensure program and grant compliance.
• Identify and monitor potential at-risk participants.  
• Evaluate the effectiveness of program plans and modify appropriately to ensure success.
• Coordinates and oversees student and community engagement.  Monitors the quality of the services administered.
• Provides recommendations for successful delivery of services.
• Provide support services to the Director of Education with administrative duties connected to the new program.
• Travel to various sites to connect with EESs, participants and other city, county, and DPSCS representatives.
• Completes required EES training to maintain working knowledge of the position.  
• Completes renewal process, if required to maintain position.
• Completes department-required training.
• Performs and completes all other related duties as assigned.
• Maintains a good attendance rate.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:   A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: None.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Experience compiling statistical data.
• Experience coordinating education/training events.
• Experience identifying resources that address educational plans.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Special Requirements

1. Employees who have not already done so must meet the required selection standards and successfully complete the training prescribed by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission for a Correctional Classification Counselor. Selection standards for correctional training are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.10.09 and include the following:

U.S Citizenship or Resident Alien status
Must be at least 21 years of age
A completed background investigation
Oral interview
Physical examination.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.