Vocational Instructor, (Various Specialties) Correctional Facilities Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 23, 1975

Scope

This specification describes positions that are primarily concerned with providing instruction in trade and vocational subjects to and participating in the rehabilitation of inmates, wards, residents, and patients in State correctional facilities in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Incumbents maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates, youthful offenders, residents, or patients and protect and maintain the safety of persons and property. Specific classes have been established for the following specialties:

* These classes have special requirements which are explained under the "Minimum Qualifications" section of this specification.

Job Description

Persons in these specialty classes help persons committed to State correctional facilities in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation prepare to become productive and contributing members of society by training them in the trade and vocational skills necessary to gain employment and by helping them to develop socially acceptable attitudes and interests. The instructors give both individual and group instruction and, in many instances, participate as members of an interdisciplinary treatment team. The instructors have responsibility for supervising the conduct of the students while in the classroom or shop and may be called upon to assume general custody responsibilities in time of emergency.

The using Department has differing programs and, therefore, place emphasis on differing duties but, in general, they stipulate that the instructor play an important role in the total rehabilitation process, as well as in teaching the skills which will train the individual for occupational opportunities in the specialty field. Instructor's tasks include: planning, assigning, and supervising work; maintaining control and discipline in the classroom or shop; controlling all materials and equipment which may be used as potential weapons; preparing courses of study and daily lesson plans; counseling students as to progress in the instructional program and working with them in helping them set and meet educational vocational rehabilitative needs and goals; participating in program evaluation; participating in Trade Advisory Committee meetings; preventing escapes and injury by students to themselves or others or to property; inspecting premises and searching students for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs; and performing other related duties. They may be assigned as relief instructors, on a full-time basis, in specialties other than those for which they were hired. In addition, they may work with treatment teams which combine the services of personnel in the custody, academic, vocational, psychiatric, and casework areas. The instructor has an important role of providing information of an educational nature which can help other members of the team to better determine each student's treatment needs. The instructor has responsibility, once a plan is developed, for providing through their classroom curriculum program, the types of experience which is compatible with this plan.

Minimum Qualifications

The following background is required for all instructor classes described in this specification except those which are asterisked. (This latter group requires either possession of an additional special license or a modified work experience background and will be covered separately.)

1. Experience: Five years of journeyperson work experience in the appropriate subject specialty. At least one year of the required work experience must be within the three years immediately preceding the issuance of the preliminary credential. (48 semester units of postsecondary vocational training, related to the subject named on the credential and verified by official transcript, may be substituted for a maximum of two of the five years of experience.) (Persons applying under this pattern may also use accumulated part-time work to meet the five-year requirement.)

(Possession of a valid California Teaching Credential which authorizes the holder to teach on a full-time basis a vocational course in the appropriate subject specialty may be substituted for the required experience.) and

2. Education: Graduation from high school or its equivalent. and

3. Credential: Possession of a valid California Teaching Credential which authorizes the holder to teach on a full-time basis a vocational course in the appropriate subject specialty. (Applicants who do not possess this credential may take the examination but must have on file with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing an application for the appropriate credential before appointment and must secure the credential within 120 working days after appointment. After issuance, the credential must be maintained by completion of any examinations and course work required.)

Additional Requirements

A. Applicants for the following classes must possess the license or special background indicated in addition to meeting the General Minimum Qualifications pattern listed.

Barbershop Practices

Barber Instructor license issued by the California Board of Barber Examiners.

Cosmetology

Cosmetologist License issued by the California Cosmetology Board.

Janitorial Service

Two of the five years of experience must have been in a supervisory capacity with responsibility for the care and maintenance of a large office or public building.

Stockkeeping and Warehousing

The required five years of experience must have been supervising five or more persons in a warehouse or stockroom.

Knowledge and Abilities

All Instructors:

Knowledge of: (With particular reference to their specialty) methods, materials, tools, machines, equipment, and safety principles involved. In addition, they must be willing to learn principles, methods, practices, current developments, and trends in vocational education.

Ability to: Perform the duties of a journeyperson in the field of their specialty. They must also have the ability to provide leadership and motivation to inmates, youthful offenders, residents, and patients; teach and supervise these individuals; work effectively with other disciplines; read and use drawings and sketches; estimate and order supplies; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; maintain fair and firm discipline; and keep records and prepare reports.

Special Requirements

All Instructors:

Must be willing to continue their educational development; work in a State correctional facility; participate in group-oriented treatment programs; maintain an empathetic and objective understanding of inmates, wards, residents, and patients; maintain high standards of morals and speech; tact; patience; and emotional stability.

Special Physical Requirements

All Instructors:

Must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates/wards.

Assignments during tour of duty may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates/wards and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Class History