Teacher - IGNITE Program Initiative

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office, located in Rapid City, South Dakota is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for a teacher position assigned to the IGNITE Work Program Initiative at the Pennington County Jail.

Our IGNITE (Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education) Initiative offers comprehensive education, job certification and post‑incarceration work opportunities and assistance to participants in an effort to reduce recidivism and improve public trust and community relations.

As part of this exciting program, you will get to contribute to the educational success and social development of our IGNITE Program participants and help them successfully pass their GED diploma requirements. GED and proctoring experience are a huge plus for this position.

• Facilitate student assignments, track and document homework for IGNITE Program participants.
• Correct student modules, document grades, and oversee education opportunities.
• Implement the classroom rules and document students’ behaviors hourly and in weekly secured narratives.
• Communicate with other teachers and IGNITE staff in the facility to serve students’ educational needs and areas of concern to administration.
• Provide work to lower‑level students and/or not currently enrolled students until staffed with the school district and work with special education teacher and title teacher to provide special services for students.
• Maintain control of inventoried items, working closely with line staff to anticipate problems, closely monitoring students’ behavior while in the classroom and responding accordingly to prevent behavior problems.
• Continually upgrade educational skills by attending classes and workshops provided by the school district and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and attend other meetings and trainings as required.
• Document pertinent information on the homework email account.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all county policies and procedures.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
• South Dakota Teacher Certification.
• One year teaching experience in a juvenile detention or similar setting preferred.
• Special education experience preferred.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid South Dakota Driver’s License within 90 days of moving to South Dakota.

• Work is generally performed in a classroom within a correctional facility.
• This position will include close interactions with detainees.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.