Craft Instructor - AOE International - Illinois Department of Corrections Returning Residents Program

Description

AOE International is a non-profit organization focused on community support and development, with a strong emphasis on workforce development and education. We partner with various organizations to address social needs, including poverty, access to resources, and educational opportunities.
We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Craft Instructor to provide career support services for our program participants.  The Craft Instructor delivers hands-on, in-person training leading to NCCER Core credential attainment and the OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR certifications for justice-impacted learners within the Vienna Correctional Center. The role blends practical skills instruction, strict safety/tool-control, and culturally responsive teaching tailored to adult learners preparing for reentry and employment in clean-energy and related trades.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

· Deliver NCCER Core modules (Orientation to the Construction Trades; Basic Safety; Construction Math; Hand/Power Tools; Construction Drawings; Communication; Employability; Material Handling), with lecture, demonstration, and hands-on labs.

· Teach and proctor OSHA-10 General Industry/Construction content per authorized-trainer requirements; prepare learners for the DOL OSHA-10 card.

· Provide First Aid/CPR instruction and skills checks leading to recognized certification (e.g., American Heart Association, American Red Cross).

· Align lesson plans, tasks, performance profiles, and assessments to credential standards and the Clean Jobs bridge-program outcomes (essential employability skills + safety). 

· Prepare printed packets/assignments for continuity of learning during facility lockdowns. 

Safety, Security & Tool Control

· Implement strict tool/equipment inventory and control procedures; maintain secure storage (crib closets/cages) and daily logs. 

· Enforce all IDOC and program safety rules (PPE, housekeeping, incident reporting) and model safe work practices at all times.

· Maintain an OSHA-compliant training environment and respond to emergencies per facility protocol.

Learner Support & Equity

· Use adult-learning and trauma-informed, strengths-based strategies; scaffold math/reading as needed; provide tutoring and make-up sessions. 

· Embed essential employability skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, workplace professionalism) throughout labs and scenarios. 

· Monitor progress against NCCER performance profiles; provide timely feedback, re-testing opportunities, and individualized support plans.

Coordination & Compliance

· Coordinate daily with facility staff on schedules, participant movement, room utilization, and safety checks; maintain constant instructor presence during instructional hours. 

· Complete required attendance, assessment, and credentialing documentation; support data entry for performance reporting. 

· Support transition services (resume touch-points, mock interviews) in collaboration with program staff prior to release; contribute to warm handoffs to external partners. 

· Participate in required professional development and technical assistance sessions. 

Requirements

· NCCER Certified Craft Instructor (CCI) (current) with verifiable experience delivering NCCER Core and completing Performance Profiles.

· OSHA Authorized Trainer (Construction or General Industry) eligible to issue OSHA-10 cards.

· First Aid/CPR Instructor certification (AHA, ARC, or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 60 days.

· 3+ years teaching or journey-level field experience in construction/crafts, energy, or facilities trades (or equivalent combination).

· Demonstrated success teaching adult learners; ability to differentiate instruction and assess skills for credential attainment.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience teaching in carceral or reentry settings; familiarity with the Vienna Correctional Center environment and procedures. 

· Experience integrating employability skills and coaching justice-impacted learners toward job readiness. 

· Bilingual abilities; lived experience or prior service with justice-impacted communities.