Reading Specialist: Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice

Title: Reading Specialist: Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice

State Role Title: Training & Instructor II - 29112

Hiring Range: $72,500 - $76,125

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: Bon Air JCC

Agency Website: https://www.djj.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Agency:
The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

About the Job:
The Yvonne D. Miller School, located at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center in Chesterfield, Virginia is seeking a qualified Reading Specialist to provide quality educational programs through sound instruction to meet the individual needs of residents/students, as well as the standards defined under the Commonwealth’s statutes and program certification requirements.

Using the Virginia Standards of Learning, the Reading Specialist will be responsible for planning the school’s curriculum, analyzing student data, and implementing engaging and research-based strategies and resources to meet the needs of all students. The Reading Specialist will also deliver instruction using a variety of research-based instructional strategies tailored to the content area, aiming to engage students in active learning, promote key skills, and address individual learning needs. Additionally, the individual selected for this role will systematically gather, analyze, and utilize relevant data to measure student progress, guide instructional content and delivery methods, and provide timely feedback to students, parents/caregivers, and other educators as necessary.

The successful incumbent will establish a respectful, positive, safe, and student-centered environment conducive to learning through the use of resources, routines, and procedures.

As a condition of employment, the selected individual for this role must successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice's mandated training and certifications to include a three week training located in Hanover, Virginia at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center. The training is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, or higher, with a concentration in Reading. Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching Certificate/License with an endorsement(s) in Reading. Knowledge of content, curriculum, methods, materials, and equipment to successfully perform the work. Ability to supervise students and youth, facilitate appropriate classroom management, and maintain accurate records. Knowledge of DJJ and DHRM policies and procedures and the ability to meet DHRM established physical demands.

Additional Considerations

Experience as a Reading teacher in a secondary setting. Experience teaching at-risk youth preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position. At least two references' names and contact information will be required from all finalists who advance in the selection process.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: Taylor Mayton

Phone: (804) 664-0703

Email: taylor.mayton@djj.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.