Instructional Support Specialist – School of Public Safety - Modesto Junior College

About the Role

Plans and executes operational and technical aspects of the School of Public Safety programs, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Technology’s computer lab, classrooms, skills labs, and simulated labs. Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and general operation of Public Safety labs, including classroom operations, computer labs, and simulation equipment used in the training of EMS and Fire Technology professionals. Performs highly advanced and technical support duties in the specialized Public Safety instructional environment and assists instructors in preparing for complex learning experiences.

May serve as a lead worker over technical staff, student workers, program Skills Evaluators, and Professional Experts; coordinates the functions of several Public Safety units; operates and maintains specialized equipment related to the assigned instructional areas; monitors and ensures the safety of student activities; performs complex technical administrative support tasks for faculty and other instructional staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced and lead technical level class in the Instructional Support Series within the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD). Incumbents provide advanced instructional and administrative support in technical, specialized complex Public Safety laboratory and/or instructional settings and frequently serve as lead workers. Incumbents must possess and utilize highly technical knowledge of Public Safety academic areas and related technology to perform duties and ensure the safety of students.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the direction of a manager, Director, or Dean, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures. Plans and/or determines specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives and solves non-routine problems, referring only unusual matters to a supervisor. May serve as a lead worker by assigning, directing, and/or monitoring the work of subordinate full-time employees on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Knowledge Of

• Operations, procedures, goals, or objectives of the Public Safety laboratory(ies) or program(s) to which assigned.
• Methods and techniques of student instruction and tutoring.
• Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.
• Principles, techniques, protocols, applications, and equipment used in Public Safety programs, including Fire technology and emergency medical service disciplines.
• Modern office, classroom, and laboratory procedures and equipment including computers.
• Basic mathematical principles and applications.
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Appropriate and effective communication and listening skills.

Ability To

• Perform general technical and operational duties in support of specialized technical laboratory(s) pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Provide hands-on equipment, academic, and lab support to students as a supplement to their classroom teaching.
• Prepare equipment and laboratories and lessons as requested by the instructor.
• Operate standard instructional audio-visual equipment, projectors, microphones, portable screens, media players, etc.
• Respond to a variety of requests for assistance from students and instructors.
• Listen effectively and appropriately assess student academic needs.
• Work with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, ages, and academic abilities.
• Lead and direct the work of subordinate staff.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and files.
• Explain and ensure adherence to laboratory and program procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Provide strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) to interact with other faculty, staff, students, agencies, and vendors in a positive, helpful, and cooperative working relationship.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience

Pattern I

• Experience: Two years equivalent to an Instructional Support Technician at YCCD, performing duties that provided familiarity with a specialized Public Safety area.

OR

Pattern II

• Education: Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in Public Safety, fire science, emergency medical services, or a related field area.
• Experience: Four years performing technical duties that provided familiarity with Public Safety instruction, with a minimum two years’ experience in Public Safety equipment simulation as an education or simulation technician, or relevant work in fire technology, and/or emergency medical services and related work in a clinical environment.

Special Requirements: Depending upon the assignment of a position, applicants may be required to demonstrate technical knowledge and skills pertaining to a specialized academic area.

Responsibilities

• Exchanges information with faculty, students, staff, vendors, and organizations concerning Public Safety program operations, inventory, safety issues, equipment, and supplies.
• Operates and maintains EMS and Fire simulation equipment, task trainers, and computerized simulators, making appropriate adjustments as needed.
• Manages program vehicles and apparatus; ensures vehicles are maintained and safe for instructional use.
• Oversees Public Safety materials, supplies, tools, consumables, equipment, parts, and diagnostic equipment.
• Sets up and coordinates the use of laboratories, equipment, and facilities.
• Monitors, prepares, and assists with specialized Public Safety equipment and materials for exercises in support of the related programs; may train students in safe and proper procedures.
• Collects specimens; seeks out sources of demonstration materials and supplies.
• Sets up, disassembles, cleans, or replaces apparatus and instructional materials used in activities and demonstrations.
• Prepares and properly disposes of solutions, cultures, and specimens.
• Ensures safety and security procedures are followed; inspects tools, equipment, and machinery for hazards and takes prompt action to prevent injury or damage; maintains safety signage and PPE; ensures assigned learning environments are maintained in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
• Calibrates, troubleshoots, and performs routine maintenance and minor repairs relative to firefighting and EMS equipment, simulators, and props; coordinates repair and maintenance services with facilities or vendors as needed.
• Ensures that chemicals and equipment are stored appropriately and safely.
• Contacts vendors to obtain quotes and supplies, may place orders and purchase chemicals, laboratory supplies, and equipment; inspects incoming shipments and distributes or stores in proper locations.
• Maintains the department Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binder.
• Oversees the disposal of unsafe or hazardous materials according to Federal, State, County, and City regulations.
• Develops, explains, and demonstrates specialized and complex learning exercises and instructional materials; monitors students in class work procedures.
• Maintains inventory and distribution of Public Safety vehicles, apparatus, equipment, manuals, and supplies; maintains records of materials ordered, issued, used, and returned and prepares related reports; maintains inventories to ensure that adequate quantities are available for timely instructional use; maintains student positive attendance records, ensuring that students sign in/sign out; tracks student costs for computer and/or equipment use; maintains student laboratory accounts and submits charges.
• Assists in the development of laboratory budgets; may monitor and track laboratory budgets.
• Assists Public Safety faculty and other instructional staff by preparing and presenting complex technical materials designed to enhance students’ learning processes; participates in the planning and implementation of exercises and/or experiment simulations; may set up and conduct complex instructional exercises as directed; may independently implement and coordinate instructional tutoring sessions and activities; may assist with proctoring exams and/or quizzes.
• May host additional lab time and tutoring sessions for student projects, exams, and study, as needed; monitors and assists students in drills, practices, and study activities as a follow-up to what was presented during regular classes.
• Reports student progress toward the accomplishment of learning objectives.
• Maintains libraries and/or inventories of instructional resources and materials; maintains records of materials loaned to students for home study.
• Organizes and presents workshops and/or training related to the development of study skills, interpersonal skills, life skills, academic improvement, and other subjects relevant to learning.
• Coordinates and performs administrative support duties that may require typing, proofreading, filing, checking, and recording information.
• Posts information to a computerized and/or manual management information storage and retrieval systems; retrieves and compiles information and prepares complex clerical forms, reports, and summaries.
• Operates a variety of computers and/or related equipment pertaining to the assigned academic area; performs routine hardware and software installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting; assists students in utilizing specialized computer technology as part of the learning process; installs and sets up hardware and software; resolves and repairs minor technical issues; requests or arranges for assistance, servicing, or repair of department and/or student computer equipment from district Information Technology (IT) staff or other resources.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certificates

• A valid license to drive in California is required to operate the district’s vehicles and equipment.
• Must obtain a valid California commercial class “B” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License with tanker endorsement within one year of hire.

Physical and Mental Standards

• Mobility: Ability to sit, walk, or stand for extended periods.
• Dexterity: Fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes, and/or prepare laboratory and/or Fire Technology and EMS materials/equipment; must have a full range of motion in the upper extremities.
• Lifting: Frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Visual Requirements: Close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
• Hearing/Talking: Ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
• Emotional/Psychological Factors: Ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with students, teachers, and others, including the public.
• Other Factors: Moderate risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological materials, flammable gases, and electric shock.