The Community Education Project (CEP) at Stetson University is seeking a passionate and skilled Writing and Research Specialist to support incarcerated college students at Tomoka Correctional Institution. This part-time position helps students grow by providing strong academic support, especially for those learning in unique environments like prisons. As a member of the CEP team, the Writing and Research Specialist will work directly with the incarcerated students to strengthen their writing and research skills and support their success in college-level courses. CEP students have a strong track record of academic achievement and publication, and this role is essential to expanding that success and building a lasting support system that reflects the resources available to students on Stetson’s main campus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Provide individualized and small-group support in academic writing and research to the incarcerated students across a range of academic disciplines
• Develop and lead peer-to-peer writing and research workshops and mentoring systems for CEP students
• Collaborate with CEP students, faculty, and staff to identify student writing and research needs and develop personalized academic support strategies
• Assist students in developing research skills, locating academic materials, and refining written work
• Coordinate with Stetson’s library and academic support services to gather and deliver relevant materials
• Contribute to the development of a sustainable academic support system tailored to the prison education context
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and support activities, in compliance with institutional and correctional guidelines

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of academic writing conventions, research methodologies, and citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago)
• Familiarity with best practices in writing instruction, tutoring, and adult education
• Understanding of how to locate, evaluate, and use academic resources effectively, including library databases and open-access materials
• Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback on student writing and guide students through the research process
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas in accessible ways
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks, tracking student progress, and meeting deadlines
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in English, Education, Library Science or other relevant field
• Experience in academic writing instruction, tutoring, or research support, ideally in higher education or community-based settings
• Strong commitment to educational equity, social justice, and inclusive learning environments
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a unique and evolving educational setting
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance at the prisons; given the job responsibilities, the person hired to the position must complete background and driving record checks
• Willingness to travel to and work within a correctional facility, following all institutional protocols and procedures; reliable access to transportation is essential
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Experience working with incarcerated or justice-impacted individuals
• Experience with student services
• Written and oral proficiency in Spanish

Work Environment: This position is primarily based at Tomoka Correctional Institution, an incentivized men’s prison in Daytona Beach, Florida. Instruction takes place in a dedicated classroom equipped with standard teaching tools, laptops, and Zoom capabilities (no internet access). The environment supports a focused, college-level learning experience. The specialist will also routinely work in an office setting at Stetson University during normal hours of operation for university offices. This will require some light travel to DeLand campus.