Higher Education Associate 2 (Higher Education)

THE POSITION

Do you have professional experience in higher education and are interested in an exciting opportunity within the commonwealth? The Pennsylvania Department of Education is seeking a motivated individual for the position of Higher Education Associate 2. If you are looking to further your career and work with a team of dedicated professionals, we invite you to apply.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position performs advanced professional grant management, research, educational, advisory, administrative, and program review services in the planning, development, implementation, improvement, coordination, and evaluation of education certification preparation programs offered by teacher preparation programs and policies affecting the operations of educator preparation programs, institutions of higher learning and alternative providers within the commonwealth. Duties involve researching state policies across the nation, analyzing and updating current policies, and implementing current research findings to develop, improve, and expand new and existing education programs. Other duties include grant and report writing, data collection and data analysis, and educational partner relations.

Additional details regarding the duties of this position may be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment.

• Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.

• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, Mondays in office. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Higher Education Associate 1 in the parenthetical; or

• Four years of professional education experience, including two years in higher education for the Higher Education parenthetical and two years in basic education for the Teacher Education parenthetical and a master's degree; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional education experience including two years in higher education for the Higher Education parenthetical and two years in basic education for the Teacher Education parenthetical.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.

• You must provide complete and accurate information or:

• your score may be lower than deserved.

• you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/test once for this posting.Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess two or more years of full-time professional experience in higher education?

• Yes

• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

How many years of full-time professional education experience do you possess?

• 4 or more years

• 3 but less than 4 years

• Less than 3 years

• None

04

How much graduate coursework have you completed?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information.

• 30 or more credits

• 15 but less than 30 credits

• Less than 15 credits

• None

05

How much additional professional experience do you possess in any field that was not reported in Question 1 and 2 above?

• 1 or more years

• 6 months but less than 1 year

• Less than 6 months

• None

06

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

07

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application, or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each work behavior carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose for each work behavior must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.

• Yes

08

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COLLECTS AND ANALYZES DATA

Collects and analyzes data to determine impact of proposed changes, including draft legislation. Prepares comprehensive reports.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience collecting and analyzing data.
• B. I have experience analyzing data that was collected by SOMEONE ELSE.
• C. I have experience collecting data that was then analyzed by SOMEONE ELSE.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to data analysis.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

09

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• List the type(s) of data you analyzed, and the reports you prepared, as well as the actual duties you performed.

• Your level of responsibility.

10

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

• College/University

• Course Title

• Credits/Clock Hours

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - EVALUATES PROPOSALS, APPLICATIONS, REPORTS OR SELF STUDIES

Evaluates proposals (including grant proposals, technical proposals, budget proposals, and budget narratives), applications, reports, or self-studies relating to state approval, accrediting, accrediting standards or compliance with educational laws, regulations, and guidelines. Determines if there is a need to revise current policies, standards, or regulations.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience evaluating proposals, applications, reports, or self-studies relating to accrediting, standards, or compliance with educational laws, regulations, or guidelines AND determining if there is a need to revise current policies, standards, or regulations.
• B. I have experience evaluating proposals, applications, reports, or self-studies relating to accrediting, standards, or compliance with educational laws, regulations, or guidelines. SOMEONE ELSE determined if there was a need to revise current policies, standards, or regulations.
• C. I have experience evaluating proposals, applications, or reports NOT related to EDUCATION.
• D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• Provide details about the type(s) of program(s) or proposal(s) you evaluated as well as the actual duties you performed.

• Your level of responsibility.

13

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PRESENTING DATA

Synthesizes educational data and creates visual and narrative aids such as graphs, charts, tables, and PowerPoint presentations. Determines the best method for presenting data to various audiences.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience synthesizing educational data and creating visual and narrative aids such as graphs, charts, tables, and PowerPoint presentations. I was responsible for determining the best method for presenting data to various audiences.
• B. I have experience synthesizing data and creating visual and narrative aids such as graphs, charts, tables, and PowerPoint presentations. This was NOT related to EDUCATION. I was responsible for determining the best method for presenting the data.
• C. I have experience synthesizing data and creating visual and narrative aids such as graphs, charts, tables, and PowerPoint presentations, after being advised by SOMEONE ELSE as to which presentation type would best suit the intended audience.
• D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.

14

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

• The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.

• Your experience synthesizing and presenting data, as well as the audiences to whom you presented the data.

• Your level of responsibility.

Required Question

Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website http://www.employment.pa.gov