Education Specialist (ATAS Test Prep)

Education Specialist (ATAS Test Prep)

Job Description

Organizational Summary

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams. 

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Services (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development.  Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year. 

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org

Position: Education Specialist (ATAS Test Prep)                                   

Department: Adult Education

Reports to: Director of Adult Education

Hours: Part-Time

Salary: $45.00 per hour                                                             

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: On-site

Positions Reporting to this Role: None

 Position Summary:

Union Settlement Adult Education is seeking an Education Specialist (ATAS Test Prep) to provide in-person support for Teaching Assistants-In-Training. The Education Specialist reports to the Adult Education Director and has the overall responsibility of the development and implementation of the academic curriculum, program compliance and quality assurance. The agency has embraced the concept of a fully integrated system of care for all consumers of service.  This requires that all agency staff assess the client’s needs holistically and see it as their responsibility to connect the client with services needed – internal or external to the agency – regardless of the door through which the consumer enters the system.  The ideal candidate will be a hard-working professional able to undertake a variety of teaching approaches. This person will be comfortable working with a high degree of attention to detail and discretion as well as incorporating new and effective ways to achieve better results.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare students for the ATAS standardized test.
• Employ proven study aides to prepare for upcoming high stakes tests, as well as classroom tests and quizzes.
• Develop and implement an academic curriculum for students seeking to attain Teaching Assistant certification.
• Prepare assessments evaluating the educational needs of the students.
• Conduct research and develop new resources and materials to enhance the curriculum.
• Prepare reports reviewing students’ progress toward the academic learning objectives, to be reviewed with Program Director.
• Maintain records of class attendance and student participation.
• Design and recommend individualized curricula to address students’ educational needs. 
• Meet with students to review progress and evaluate need for additional supports.
• Prepare and coordinate educational lesson plans.
• Prepare monthly narrative progress reports for all participants. 
• Consider student individual employability plans and contribute to monthly evaluations of progress in program.
• Attend staff development training, program meetings and related conferences. 
• Assist case manager/office administration with student follow up.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Must be well-organized.
• Develop and/or utilize lesson plans that reflect an understanding of how to best teach reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and technology skills in thematically-organized and developmentally/culturally-appropriate ways. 
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of an audience. 
• Must present materials to students each day in an engaging and easy to understand manner. 
• Teach basic computer literacy and mobile device skills, in a manner that builds student skill level and confidence.
• Build an effective classroom environment that is conducive to learning and is appropriate for adult learners.
• Must implement a variety of instructional delivery methods, including group or individualized instruction.
• Maintain and ensure HIPAA confidentiality of records (daily).

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Education, required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching English and/or test prep to immigrant communities.
• Certified as a Teaching Assistant.
• Ability and interest in working with diverse populations.
• Ability to instruct in a manner that develops confidence and encourages creativity.
• Ability to engage students who may have had no prior, or limited, access to technology and or language learning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to adult literacy, lesson plan preparation, and working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
• Certified in Best Plus and Best Literacy, preferred.
• Must be a self-starter, highly-organized, patient, and able to work well with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.

CO R E CO M P E T E N C IE S
 

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard

Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

Union Settlement is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.