High School Equivalency Instructor

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a HSE Instructor to join our High School Equivalency team!

The HSE Instructor develops, plans, and implements curriculum, lesson plans, and educational activities for students for both online and in-person classroom settings. Other services provided to students by the HSE instructor may include intakes, progress assessments, interactive and educational activities to enhance the classroom experience, group learning, and class cohesion to prepare students for the GED. Classroom instruction incorporates small group learning exercises, lectures, experiential learning activities as well as self-paced, computerized instruction and videos. Each student receives an individualized service plan, which assists in the monitoring of educational progress. The program serves youth between the ages of 16 and 26 who have not received a high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalency.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $25.64 - $36.25/hr depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Teaches content and skills in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science and other appropriate learning activities daily to students attending class in person or virtually.


•  Uses various methods to promote learning including classroom instruction, group discussion, one-on-one guidance, computerized instruction, experiential activities, and field trips.


• Apply de-escalation techniques to situations, as needed to reduce tension and promote safety for clients, staff, and community.  multiple subjects.


• Develops, revises, and evaluates curriculum to meet the needs of students at various learning levels, across multiple subjects.


•  Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers while maintaining a clean and orderly work area.


•  Meets individually with every new student to review and complete intake paperwork and transition plan which includes student led goal(s) for higher education and/or career interests after they receive their GED certificate.


•  Begins creating an individualized transition plan at intake with every student and updates the plan as needed throughout each student’s time in the program to document and support student driven goals around their vocational, workforce related, or higher education goals after GED completion.


•  Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, inclusive, and welcoming classroom environment for all students.


•  Plans and facilitates regular orientation sessions; orientation sessions include collaboration with internal and external service providers.


•  Administers and evaluates baseline and progress educational assessments for all students.


•  Coordinates instructional time with volunteer tutors and interns.


•  Meets with clients individually at least monthly to establish and monitor their service plan and to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities.


•  Processes new referrals for services and facilities enrollment process for all new students, including where and how to obtain valid government issued identification, making internal or external referrals, as appropriate.


•  Maintains timely, complete, and accurate data entry as required by LifeWorks and external partners.


•  Responsible for the primary supervision of students engaged in services at any LifeWorks office location where class is being held as well as virtual classes, and out-of-class activities.


•  Prepares for and actively participates in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings.


•  Maintains up to date continuing professional development requirements.


•  Meet with LifeWorks staff regularly to provide coordinated wrap-around services for shared clients. 


•  Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•  Bilingual in English and Spanish required.


•  Master’s degree in education highly preferred.


•  Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or a related field; and


•  Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience with transition age youth; or


•  Equivalent combination of education and experience.


•  Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.


•  Preferred experience with group facilitation and management methods and techniques.


•  Preferred experience presenting educational information to young adults from diverse backgrounds and communities.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions. 


• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations. 


• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients. 


• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.


• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.


• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

•  Texas Educator Certification required.


•  May be required to possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license within 30 days of start date and provide proof of valid insurance


•  Must possess or be able to obtain Standard First-Aid and Infant, Child, and Adult CPR Certification within 6 months of start date. 

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.  

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.  

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.