CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
5H26
INMATE COMPUTER BASED EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
GENERAL
DEFINITION
This is instructional work in an inmate computer based education program. The employees in
this class advise, instruct and monitor inmates participating in a computerized, programmed educational, social
and life skills instruction program. The Programs are intended to improve basic reading and writing skills,
social and life skills, and prepare inmates for high school diploma equivalency testing. The employees in this
class assess the educational level of inmates, explain computer-access procedures, advise inmates in response
to programmed questions and instructions, explain educational materials presented, and provide supplemental
material for individual instruction to specific inmates as needed. Motivating and/or encouraging inmates to
participate in the program is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of an
administrative superior and involves conditions which can only be partially controlled.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for
this class.)
- Position must provide instructional work in an inmate computer based education program, determine
inmate educational level to function or participate in the program and recommend appropriate
curriculum.
- Position must develop and administer tests in individualized program curriculums, evaluate inmate
performance, instruct and monitor inmate activities and provide educational counseling or supplemental
material needed to address inmate educational deficiency.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK
(ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Determines inmate educational level to function or participate in the program; develops and administers
tests in individualized curriculums in computer courses, basic reading, writing and mathematics skills, English
as a second language, substance abuse and life skills programs, and pre-GED test; evaluates inmate
performance and determines placement in appropriate curriculum.
- Instructs and monitors inmate activities; provides inmate with course instruction and computer access
procedures; explains course curriculum to inmates; schedules inmates for available study positions;
demonstrates the use and application of computer equipment and software; advises inmates on classroom
behavior; controls inmates' time on tasks and/or number of learning attempts; guides against inmates' misuse
of computer equipment.
- Motivates and/or encourages inmates to participate in the program; reads and analyzes course materials
for inmates; creates inmate learning pathes; provides educational counseling on a one-to-one basis as needed;
prepares supplemental material needed to address inmate educational deficiency.
- Uses educational program language to develop tests in individualized program curriculums and/or input
supplemental course material.
- Prepares inmate progress report and adjustment summary.
- Maintains computer lab and equipment; installs hardware and software when vendors are unavailable;
troubleshoots computer problems; performs minor repairs on computer equipment; contacts vendors for major
repairs and/or system error resolution and updates computer programs on file server with discs provided by
the contracted software company.
- Evaluates program curriculums to determine if they are meeting inmate needs; makes recommendations
to superiors pertaining to changes in program curriculums.
- Prepares and maintains program records and reports.
- Works cooperatively with other prison services to provide computer program services to support inmate
needs.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS
AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- high school level English, mathematics, science and social studies.
- individual and group dynamics.
- motivational theory, principles and practices.
- the principles, practices and techniques of working with individuals with severe emotional and social
problems.
- the operation and capabilities of electronic computer and peripheral equipment.
ABILITY TO:
- develop and conduct tests in individualized program curriculums, determine inmate educational level
to function or participate in the program and recommend appropriate course curriculum.
- explain each course curriculum or program and create inmate learning path.
- demonstrate the use and application of computer equipment and software.
- monitor and control inmate activities.
- analyze course material and provide one-to-one educational counseling on an as-needed basis.
- prepare supplemental course material needed to address inmate educational deficiency.
- perform general maintenance and minor repairs on computer equipment.
- install hardware and software.
- evaluate program curriculums and recommend changes to superiors.
- prepare and maintain a variety of program records and reports, using non-procedural program
languages.
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with inmates, prison officials and associates.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING
AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the
minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience
requirements as approved on 5/89.)
EDUCATION
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
EXPERIENCE
- Two years of educational counseling or teaching experience.
OR
- Two years of correctional experience involving frequent personal interaction with inmates.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel
Department that has included completion of a bachelors degree as an educational minimum.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a
position in this class.
PAY RANGE: EP12
Class Established:
CSC - 5/89 ; Ad Board - 6/89
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 2/97 ; Ad Board - 3/97
AM/am/deb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 5H26