Instructor-Good Shepherd Shelter

Job Description

Job Description

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. is one of the largest human services providers in California that operates a variety of programs to serve the poor and strives to find permanent solutions to crisis situations by offering clients the tools and resources needed to achieve greater self-reliance and stability in their lives. The individual is responsible for educational assessment, report and instruction of assigned students. They will develop and implement appropriate curriculum to meet needs of students. May supervise the work of assistant, employees and/or volunteers. Elementary grade instructor K-5th will teach multiple lessons and multiple grades including art or science and physical education in the shelter school. The instructor in the shelter school strives to imbibe the four essential values of Good Shepherd philosophy: individual worth and dignity, mercy, reconciliation and zeal for the healing of each person. The instructor also has the unique opportunity of inculcating in the children these enduring values. Under the direction of school supervisor, the instructor will design or provide direct instructional or educational services for children at Good Shepherd School and support or educate families as a team. This includes planning and direct implementation of instructional services individually and in a classroom setting. This person will assist with child/parent intake and will participate and interact with other professionals in meeting and provide the needs of the children enrolled in the program. The instructor will help provide additional educational services if needed, develop the Good Shepherd’s School policies and procedures handbook as well as supporting with lunches and afterschool .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses participants using curriculum assessment and appropriate level test.
• Instruct students in remedial and Basic Skills learning.
• Assigns daily work and appropriate materials. 
• Provide supervision to assistant, volunteer and students tutors.
• Assists with follow-ups and progress of students to evaluate grade effectiveness.  
• Develops and implements an individualized study plan for remediation for Basic Skills.
• Determine appropriate assessments and materials for individual education plans.
• Assigns appropriate lessons for work readiness and basic skills.
• Conducts instruction in individual and group settings in grade readiness and basic skills.
• Maintains and submits, in a timely manner, written individual records for participants following agency policy and procedures.
• Organizes, plans and completes special projects and events to enhance the program and to contribute positively to the development of co-workers and participants.
• Attends department, agency meetings and other training sessions applicable to education and training of students.
• Follows agency’s sign-out procedures and lesson plans for weekly schedule.
• Performs related duties as required. 
• Plans or teaches lessons for a group of approximately five to eight children in various academic and co-curricular subjects with a trauma-based focus. 
• Plans/implements various activities for the whole group, such as sports, outdoor activities, crafts and art. 
• Works closely with the Interdepartmental team (teachers, therapists, apartment staff and Executive Director) in coordinating services and ensuring quality of services for each client. 
• Attends weekly teachers’ meetings and monthly in-service training sessions. 
• Manages volunteer classroom aides for individual children in the group. 
• Records daily classroom logs behavior, attendance and assignment/test grades. 
• Holds parent-teacher conferences to help facilitate parental involvement according to school expectations. 
• Supports trauma-focused classroom setting and curriculum by implementing behavioral and social skills to assist students healing from trauma. 
• Gains understanding of empowerment philosophy and applies to interactions with mothers and children. 
• Maintains confidentiality of the shelter and the clients; informs supervisor immediately of any safety issues; upholds appropriate boundaries at all times; maintains professionalism and respect amongst all staff and clients. Attends family treatment meetings when required. 
• Acts as a mentor and guide to teacher assistants in all areas of the school, including but not limited to delegating and rotating classroom responsibilities, managing and supervising teacher assistants and volunteers and writing evaluations. 
• Maintains compliance with health and safety standards. 
• Supports after-school and School on Wheels program alongside other educational volunteer programs/groups. 
• Works collaboratively within a team-centered environment and provides additional support as directed by supervisor (such as acting as a substitute teacher). 
• Monitors health requirements of students (i.e. asthma, allergies). 
• Plans/implements activities, field trips, school events and special projects for the School Department. 
• Supervises school children during recess, lunch break, and playground activities.

Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of college education, Bachelor's Preferred.
• Bi-lingual, English-Spanish preferred
• Pass C-BEST preferred. 
• One to three years of experience with at least one year of classroom experience, basic driver license with a clean driving record and experience in trauma-informed environment.
• Testing methods and techniques.
• Appropriate methods and techniques for teaching elementary students.
• English and reading skills.
• Accurately assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Appropriate handbooks and reference manuals.
• Catholic Charities’ policies, procedures and organization.
• Teach and discipline students effectively.
• Display sensitivity, tact, and responsiveness in various situations and needs.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Use independent judgment and initiative.
• Handle public contact effectively.
• Maintain accurate and orderly records.
• Plan short-range activities.
• Analyze and resolve problems.
• Kid-friendly personality. 
• Strong work ethic, self-directed, and able to coordinate multiple tasks. 
• Thrives in a flexible, evolving environment; adapts to changes effectively.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both written and oral.  
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team; provide support to other departments. 
• Able to effectively and efficiently address crises and problem-solve with open communication. 
• Must complete 40-hour domestic violence/sexual assault certification training. 

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 12 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office 
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking