Job Summary

Hazard Community and Technical College invites applicants for the Prison Education Program Specialist (Full Time Temporary) position. The PEP/Transitions Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and management of College Jail/Prison Education Program inside of the Kentucky Department of Corrections facilities: Lee Adjustment Center as well as supporting the county jail program on the technical campus (with bi-monthly check-ins). Provides support in the broader community as it relates to transition and re-entry planning for students who will be continuing their education outside of the DOC/jail. The PEP Coordinator works to build and sustain a rapport with students who are incarcerated, facilitates aspects of the program that support student learning and faculty, works collaboratively with Department of Corrections/Jail officials to ensure that effective implementation of the Prison Education Program, and develops programmatic efforts to enhance re-entry support for students as they continue to pursue their degrees at HCTC. This is a Temporary Full Time position ending June 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin September 26, 2025.

Job Duties:

Recruitment/Retention of PEP Students: work with Admissions/Recruitment/ Financial Aid team to coordinate recruitment events to ensure completion of FAFSA, HCTC Application, and Registration forms (include mailing and data entry of student applications/registration forms working with faculty/deans). Assist with federal and state report requirements and maintain required financial and student records.

PEP Student College Support: Meets weekly/bi-weekly with all PEP students. Provides advocacy for students with faculty. Maintain regular interaction and engagement with PEP students and staff. Maintaining at least 3 days onsite at the LAC facility. Ensures all PEP students appear on rosters correctly. Provides tutoring support/connections, disability support with ADA office, and DOC IT staff for any technical issues.

Collaboration and Communication: Keeps all parties informed through intrusive communication (faculty of PEP courses, DOC/jail officials, PEP students, College personnel, and others) to ensure student support with any concerns, issues, or additional assistance in enrolled courses. Participate in all related PEP meetings. Assists the CAO with all applicable standards including MOAs, MOUs, faculty credentialling files, and off-site visits.

Professional Development: Attend required Department of Corrections Training and facility trainings, all updated training as needed; attends college related training; and other specific training related to the position. Provide workshops about PEP to college population for greater understanding.

All other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Case Management, Social Work or equivalent and 1 to 2 years relevant experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in criminal justice, Case Management, Social Work or equivalent and 3 to 4 years relevant experience.

Additional Skills Requested:

Communication and organization skills are critical to the position.

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.