Learning Specialist - Essex County Sheriff’s Department

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About Northern Essex Community College:

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) serves more than 5,000 students annually across its campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts, conveniently located within easy reach of Boston and the scenic beaches and state parks of New England's coastline.  Recognized as one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development), NECC's success is driven by a mission-centered culture and a highly engaged workforce.  As the first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in New England, NECC remains committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and supports the communities it serves.

Rooted in the Merrimack Valley, NECC plays a vital role in strengthening the region through workforce development, expanded access to affordable higher education, increased degree attainment, and strong partnerships with businesses.

NECC employees are united by a shared commitment expanding access to educational opportunities, supporting students in completing their academic journey in a timely and equitable manner, and preparing graduates for long-term success in the workforce.  The college invests in its people through ongoing professional development opportunities, collaborative leadership, and a supportive work environment.

Job Description:

POSITION: Full-Time Learning Specialist (Learning Specialist): Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD); position includes travel within the Essex County Sheriff's Office Continuum; MCCC/MTA Unit Professional Position; 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday 07:30am - 3:30pm, (Hours may be adjusted and compensated in alignment with contractual guidelines); Pay Grade 5; This position is funded through general fund appropriations from the Essex County Sheriff's Department.

SUMMARY: The NECC Program at ECSD facilities offers classes in ESOL, HiSET/GED preparation (in English and Spanish), digital literacy, and more. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, the Learning Specialist will support incarcerated and justice-involved individuals in building literacy, numeracy, language and digital literacy skills, essential for achieving a high school equivalency (HSE) credential and for college and career readiness. The Learning Specialist will assist students at all levels in gaining the competencies needed to succeed in further education, training, and employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Specific duties for this position include: 

• Attend the mandatory 40-hour orientation session at the Middleton House of Corrections.
• Teach in a correctional setting, working with incarcerated adults and justice-involved individuals who may have educational gaps or disabilities.
• Provide individualized and small group instruction to provide targeted support and meet diverse student needs.
• Determine student learning needs and sequence learning goals appropriately.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other instructors on curriculum development/revision, student assessment and instructional materials and strategy
• Adhere to ADA (American with Disabilities Act), including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and approved accommodations.
• Develop course curricula, syllabi and prepare/evaluate instructional
• Monitor student progress through assessments, engaging in continuous formative assessment and adjusting practice as needed to support student growth.
• Offer leadership opportunities to students, such as integrating Peer Tutors into classroom instruction.
• Promote a student-centered, cooperative learning environment that aligns with current adult learning theory, College and Career Readiness Standards Adult Education (CCRSAE) and Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards for Adult Education (MELPS)
• Teach skills (reading, writing, math, social studies, science) essential for earning a High School Equivalency Credential and for college and career readiness.
• Teach ESOL to English Language Learners.
• Utilize research-based practices, current instructional methods, and current materials to ensure effective, culturally responsive instruction
• Utilize curriculum to inform instruction and develop culturally responsive lesson plans
• Collaborate with advisors and colleagues to deliver specialized instruction tailored to individual needs.
• Enter student attendance daily into platforms mandated by funders
• Maintain up-to-date student records to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Incorporate technology into the instruction to enhance teaching and learning.
• Ensure student access to and use of technology during instruction.
• Maintain electronic copies of lesson plans aligned with program curricula, CCRSAE, and MELPS.
• Support the work of the advisors, developing comprehensive education, career, and transition plans for each student to support their future success.
• Adheres to policies, procedures, assurances and timelines defined by funder and internal guidance documents.
• Attend required staff meetings, professional development sessions, and conferences to stay informed and engaged.
• Participates in an annual evaluation/performance review conducted by the Education Director
• Performs other duties as requested by the Education Director or Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning
• The Classification Specification is available at: Learning Specialist