Job Description

Position Title: Education Associate, Adult and Prison Education Resources

Reports To: Director, Adult & Prison Education Resources

Description of Position:

The Education Associate, Adult and Prison Education Resources position, works under the direction of the Director to supervise assigned staff and coordinate and monitor adult and correctional education programs statewide. The position supports the Director in the daily leadership and administration of educational services in Delaware's four Level 5 correctional institutions and coordination with community adult education providers. Responsibilities include staff supervision, program operations, instructional quality, assessment and testing, staff development, grant coordination, and analysis of program performance.

The Education Associate works with Department of Correction personnel, educators, community providers, and workforce partners to address barriers to learning and strengthen educational continuity during incarceration, transfer, and reentry. The position implements approved policies and program priorities, directs assigned staff, and resolves personnel and operational issues within delegated authority. The Education Associate keeps the Director informed of program performance, staffing concerns, and matters requiring approval and provides leadership coverage for designated responsibilities as assigned by the Director.

Major Responsibilities:

Program Operations and Correctional Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor Adult Basic Education, James H. Groves Adult High School, vocational, and life skills programs in Level 5 correctional institutions, consistent with the Director's priorities.
• Work with correctional facility personnel and education staff to address scheduling, instructional space, access to resources, staffing coverage, and interruptions to educational services within facility security requirements.
• Coordinate orientation for new Prison Education staff and track completion of required certifications and Department of Correction training. Coordinate with supervisors to address staffing coverage needs across program sites.
• Administer Prison Education GED® testing operations, including testing center compliance, test security, accurate records, testing accommodations coordination, and resolution of testing and credential issues with designated service providers.
• Maintain program procedures and operational calendars; identify emerging risks, recommend solutions, and promptly elevate issues requiring the Director's decision.

Instructional Quality and Technical Assistance

• Provide technical assistance to adult education providers and correctional education staff on Adult Basic Education, GED® preparation, James H. Groves Adult High School, Integrated Education and Training, and related instructional services.
• Review curriculum alignment, assessment practices, and instructional delivery with program staff; use observations and learner outcomes to recommend improvements and support implementation.
• Support coordination of special education services with qualified personnel and assist programs in addressing accessibility, language needs, and other barriers to learner participation.
• Support implementation and coordination of Family Literacy and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education programs.
• Promote adult learning practices, trauma-informed approaches, digital literacy, and educational technology appropriate to learner needs and correctional security restrictions.

Data Accountability and Program Management

• Collect, review, and analyze program data, including enrollment, attendance, assessment results, measurable skill gains, credential attainment, and completion. Identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Validate data and coordinate corrections with providers and staff before submission. Prepare accurate and timely federal and state reports, including assigned Civil Rights Data Collection and Perkins reports.
• Co-chair adult education monitoring and evaluation teams; conduct assigned reviews, document findings, provide technical assistance, and track required corrective actions through completion.
• Prepare resource documents, annual reports, and concise recommendations for the Director. Track progress on agreed program improvement actions.
• Maintain accurate records and protect sensitive learner and personnel information in accordance with applicable requirements and agency procedures.

Policy Implementation, Grants, and Fiscal Coordination

• Assist with implementation and monitoring of applicable federal and state requirements, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title II, Perkins, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and state-funded program requirements, in consultation with the Director and appropriate specialists.
• Review program procedures and recommend updates when requirements or operational needs change; communicate approved guidance to providers and staff.
• Prepare grant proposals for assigned correctional education projects; coordinate approved activities, monitor deliverables and timelines, and maintain supporting documentation.
• Work with administrative and fiscal staff to support Prison Education financial transactions, monitor assigned expenditures against approved budgets, and identify documentation or spending concerns for review.

Staff Development, Partnerships, and Educational Transitions

• Identify professional learning needs, coordinate Prison Education professional development days and other training, and evaluate the usefulness and application of training.
• Coordinate the adult education teacher certification process with DOE licensing and certification staff.
• Represent the workgroup on assigned statewide initiatives, including WIOA, Perkins, and reentry activities; communicate decisions, responsibilities, and follow-up needs to the Director and program staff.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders, including workforce, postsecondary, and National Guard partners, to support adult education opportunities.
• Coordinate with appropriate partners to support educational records transfers, referrals, and connections to community education, training, and postsecondary opportunities when learners transfer facilities or return to the community.

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise with the Director assigned staff; establish clear expectations, assign and prioritize work, monitor progress, and provide regular feedback and coaching.
• Address performance, conduct, and workplace concerns promptly in consultation with the Director and Human Resources; implement approved corrective actions within delegated authority.
• Review and approve leave requests for assigned staff within delegated authority, monitor attendance, and coordinates with the Director coverage to maintain educational services.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and onboarding of assigned staff; identify professional development needs and support staff readiness for current and future responsibilities.
• Lead staff meetings and communicate program priorities and approved decisions. Resolve concerns within delegated authority and elevate issues affecting personnel, resources, compliance, or service delivery to the Director.
• Provide operational leadership and designated coverage in the Director's absence as assigned, consistent with agency procedures and delegated authority.

Essential Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree preferred.
• Current Delaware Licensure (14 DE Admin Code 1505 – Professional Standards Board).
• Current Delaware Certification in a content area, special education, and/or educational leadership or administration (14 DE Admin Code 1500 – Professional Standards Board).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of full-time supervisory experience in an education setting.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating educational programs or initiatives, reviewing program data, and communicating findings or recommendations.
• Experience providing technical assistance, staff training, instructional coaching, or comparable support to educators or program providers.
• Experience working collaboratively with community partners.
• Experience in adult education and/or correctional education preferred.
• Experience with program monitoring, grant administration, budget tracking, or federal and state reporting preferred.
• Experience coordinating services across multiple sites or agencies, including educational transitions or reentry services preferred.
• Experience with GED® testing operations, adult education data systems, or instruction for adult learners with disabilities or English language learning needs preferred.

Skills:

• Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional practices, assessments, and pathways to secondary credentials, occupational training, and further education.
• Ability to interpret program requirements, translate approved guidance into practice, and recognize issues requiring specialized review or the Director's approval.
• Skill in supervising staff, delegating work, managing workloads across multiple sites, and holding employees accountable for quality and timely completion of assignments.
• Ability to analyze program data, investigate discrepancies, draw supported conclusions, and recommend practical improvements.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, including data organization, validation, filtering, formulas, and summary reporting; ability to learn student information, assessment, testing, and reporting systems.
• Skill in facilitating meetings, providing technical assistance and constructive feedback, and coordinating professional learning for adult audiences.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with correctional personnel, educators, providers, and community partners and resolve concerns professionally.
• Clear oral and written communication, including preparation of procedures, grant materials, reports, and recommendations for varied audiences.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and accountability when supervising staff, handling sensitive information, resolving concerns, and recognizing matters requiring HR consultation or the Director's approval.
• Ability to work respectfully with learners and colleagues with varied backgrounds, disabilities, language needs, and educational experiences.
• Ability to evaluate employee performance objectively, provide constructive feedback, address conflict, and document personnel matters in consultation with Human Resources.
• Superior project management, strategic planning, grant management, business routine, budget development, evidence-based practice, and educational leadership skills and delivery of results against tight deadlines.
• Must understand the Department's organizational aims and objectives.
• Must be experienced in exercising discretion and confidentiality in all professional duties.

Salary:

Salary Range: $98,642.80-$154,081.16 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's education and experience in accordance with the Department of Education's compensation policy. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the state retirement program, annual, sick, and personal leave, and supplemental benefits options. Direct deposit of payroll checks is a condition of state employment, and employees are paid on a lag pay schedule with the first payment made after approximately one month of employment.

Notes:

A criminal background check is required. The successful candidate must demonstrate during the interview process an understanding of diversity, educational equity and multicultural education. This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. The selected candidate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.

The Delaware Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment practices or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran's status or any other legally protected category. Inquiries should be directed to the Human Resource Office, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901. Phone: 302-735-4030.