Education Lab Instructor

DEPARTMENT: Mercer County Office of Training & Employment Services (MCOTES)

SALARY: (%05) $63,801 - $ 80,456

LOCATION: Trenton, NJ

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break

REPORTS TO: Director of MCOTES

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Full- Time

VACANCIES: 1

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Mercer County is seeking an experienced and dedicated Education Lab Instructor (Adult Education ) to support adult learners in achieving their educational, career, and workforce development goals. This position provides both in-person and virtual instruction, tutoring, and individualized academic coaching to participants who may require Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation, English Language Learner (ELL) support, digital literacy training, and workforce readiness services.

The Education Lab Instructor will assess participant needs and goals, develop individualized learning plans, monitor academic progress, and provide ongoing guidance to promote student persistence and successful completion. The position utilizes self-paced educational technology, academic and career assessments, individual and group instruction, and workforce readiness workshops to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for adult and non-traditional learners.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with adult learners, strong instructional and communication skills, and the ability to effectively support individuals with varying educational backgrounds, learning needs, and career goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for non-traditional and adult learners.
• Assess participant educational and career goals and collaborate with participants to develop individualized learning plans.
• Coordinate educational services and support for both remote and in-person participants.
• Monitor participant progress and provide ongoing academic coaching, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
• Track participant in-person attendance and hours completed through remote learning activities.
• Promote student retention, persistence, engagement, and successful completion of educational and career goals.
• Plan and facilitate short-term workshops on topics such as career exploration, résumé writing, interviewing skills, financial literacy, and labor market trends.
• Assist with student orientation, enrollment, outreach, and related program activities.
• Administer Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) assessments and review score reports and results with participants.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of One-Stop Career Center programs and services, as well as services available through contracted vendors and community partners.
• Enter and maintain required participant and program data in the applicable State operating system in accordance with State and local guidelines.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES (All MCOTES Employees):

• Provide excellent customer service and disseminate accurate information to community members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer information and adhere to PII best practices.
• Treat customers and colleagues with professionalism and respect.
• Demonstrate reliability and commitment in performing daily responsibilities.
• Adhere to County and MCOTES policies and procedures, including Time and Attendance and Dress Code requirements.
• Utilize Microsoft Office calendar systems for scheduling and meeting coordination.
• Review and respond to email and voicemail communications in a timely manner (typically within 24–48 business hours).
• Complete required paperwork and reports accurately and within established deadlines.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by MCOTES Leadership.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Education, English, Spanish, or a related field.

Three (3) years of professional experience in adult education or a related field.

Note: Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute additional qualifying experience on a year-for-year basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience providing instruction to adult learners in both individual and group settings.
• Knowledge of High School Equivalency (HSE), including General Educational Development (GED) preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), and/or English Language Learner (ELL) programs.
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices, classroom management, and student engagement strategies for adult and non-traditional learners.
• Experience administering Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) assessments or similar educational assessments and interpreting participant score reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to learn and effectively utilize new software, technology, and information systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing program needs, priorities, and responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive and job-related information.
• Ability to receive and appropriately respond to constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, including written and verbal communication, is preferred.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH MERCER COUNTY:

Mercer County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and professional development of our employees. Benefits include:

• Access to health and wellness coverage
• Deferred compensation plans
• Generous paid time off and leave programs Ongoing training and tuition assistance

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:

Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace .