Training or Senior Training Specialist - Baltimore, United States - University of Maryland, Batlimore

Description

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation (The Institute) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, has an opening Training Specialist or Senior Training Specialist, for the Institute for Innovation and Implementation's Maryland Workforce Development and Training Unit Team. This position is responsible for functions related to training and technical assistance for supporting the Maryland Department of Human Services/Social Services Administration's (DHS/SSA) National Center for Excellence (CfE) in Foster Family Development at targeted jurisdictions throughout the state of Maryland as well as other workforce development functions associated with Maryland Workforce Development and Training Unit as assigned. The purpose of the CfE is to engage, prepare, and support resource parents to ensure timely reunification, permanency, & family-based placements. The CfE aims to improve the well-being of children and families impacted by the child welfare system by reducing lengths of stay in foster care and unnecessary congregate care placements, decreasing the rate of re-entry into foster care, and increasing reunification and exits to permanency.

The selected candidate will support the planning, development, implementation, facilitation and evaluation of the CfE training program for resource parents and birth families. They will achieve and maintain content expertise specific to the implementation of an enhanced resource parent pre-service/in-service curriculum as well as the evidence-based programs: KEEP Standard (Keeping Foster and Kin Parents Supported and Trained for children ages 4-12); KEEP SAFE (for caregivers of children 13 ), PTC-R (Parenting through Change - Reunification), and PTC-RH (Return Home) models.

The Institute supports state and local governments and organizations to implement effective systems and practices to best meet the needs of families, children, and youth, their overall well-being, and ability to support parenting partnerships. The Maryland Workforce Training and Development Unit provides training, coaching, evaluation and implementation support to the MD workforce, resource and kinship care families, and community partners in order to positively influence outcomes for children, youth and families impacted by the child welfare system.

The School of Social Work is deeply committed to a community of excellence, equity, and diversity and welcomes applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual minority groups, and other candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, paid holidays, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Essential Functions

Training Specialist

• Attends required PTC-R, PTC-RH, KEEP, and KEEP SAFE trainings and co-leads group sessions for foster and kinship parents.
• Assesses general and specific training needs within the focus populations using generally accepted methods appropriate to the training field.
• Assists in researching, developing, and delivering training for parents and caregivers on a wide range of topics related to support, skill enhancement, child well-being, and placement support.
• Complete required PTC-R, PTC-RH, KEEP and KEEP SAFE training and data requirements, session uploading, and portal entry in timely manner.
• Communicates at least monthly with DHS/SSA, Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) staff and trainers and Institute staff and faculty supporting CFE implementation and evaluation.
• Assists with data collection, report development, and utilizes data to inform decision making.
• Participate in purveyor lead coaching and booster sessions to maintain fidelity. Monitors quality of practice and utilizes coaching feedback to inform implementation integrity.
• Participates in the implementation and utilization of e-training and implementation materials such as manuals, online learning modules, self-test instruments, hand-outs, PowerPoint presentations, case studies, and other course materials grounded in research, adult learning principles and best practice. Revises and modifies training materials as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of training through established evaluation measures. Uses evaluation data to modify and adapt training.
• Networks and builds relationships with DHS/SSA and Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) staff to build interest in partnering around successful implementation efforts.
• Develops, implements, and maintains effective mechanisms for ongoing relationships/partnerships with DHS/SSA, Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) staff and trainers and other Institute staff and faculty supporting CFE implementation and evaluation through participation in work groups and by assisting in the designing of long-range training and development plans.
• Utilizes tools to provide coaching support to the field including those designated local child- and family-serving systems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Senior Specialist

• Attends required PTC-R, PTC-RH, KEEP and KEEP SAFE trainings and co-leads group sessions for birth, foster and kinship parents.
• Responsible for leading the development and execution of training programs using generally accepted methods appropriate to the training field. Identifies future training needs and strategizes development of training through implementation and evaluation.
• Leads the development and delivery of curricula based on implementation science and adult learning principles.
• Participate in purveyor lead coaching and booster sessions to maintain fidelity. Monitors quality of practice and utilizes coaching feedback to inform implementation integrity.
• Leads the development, design, and delivery of training aids such as handouts/workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, online training, and evaluation/self-test using adult learning principles. Responsible for continuously evaluating effectiveness of training materials and revising as needed.
• Complete PTC-R, PTC-RH, KEEP and KEEP SAFE training and data requirements, session uploading, and portal entry in timely manner.
• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets training data. Assists and plans complex needs assessments to ensure curricula is aligned with DHS, the local departments, and the Institute departments' needs. Present and facilitate training programs which apply adult learning concepts, effectively engage participants of varying learning needs and foster learning and implementation of best practice in the field.
• Prepares evaluation plans, evaluates individual training modules, prepares written reports of findings, and devises quality improvement plans.
• Establishes relationships/partnerships and collaborates with external and internal stakeholders to assess and develop long-term implementation, coaching, and training plans to ensure needs are effectively met.
• Develops, recommends, modifies, and implements policies and procedures and/or methods of technical assistance to meet changing needs and requirements and enforces standards.
• Provides input on the acquisition and implementation of services offered by outside vendors for use in effective training.
• Performs day-to-day operational duties such as: training, coaching, and guiding interns and/or other less experienced training staff; develops policies, procedures, and/or methods for implementation of training; participating in field visits and responding to requests and questions from internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Training Specialist: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Education, Public/Business Administration, Communications, or discipline appropriate to training being conducted. Consideration may be given for a unique combination of education and experience. Two (2) years related training experience including providing coaching and workforce development activities related to foster parent development. Demonstrated experience in direct service with parents and children is preferred. Must enroll in KEEP, KEEP SAFE, PTC-R, and PTC-RH certification program. Must make satisfactory progress toward certification and achieve train the trainer certification within the model purveyor timelines. Once attained, certifications must be maintained.

Senior Training Specialist: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Education, Public/Business Administration, Communications, or discipline appropriate to training being conducted. Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field of study is preferred. Four (4) years related training experience including three (3) years in relevant training specialization providing workforce development activities related to foster family development and evidence-based practices. Demonstrated experience in direct service with parents and children is strongly preferred. Must enroll in KEEP, KEEP SAFE, PTC-R, and PTC-RH certification program. Must make satisfactory progress toward certification and achieve train the trainer certification within the model purveyor timelines. Once attained, certifications must be maintained.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Commitment and capacity to teach using equitable and inclusive pedagogy, and enhance a sense of belonging and success for training participants from traditionally marginalized populations.
• Possesses knowledge of position requirements and the ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed and maintain awareness with trends and influences. Ability to invest in a demanding learning process and apply it to development programs to ensure that training schemes are up to date and useful. Capacity to exercise initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment with an ability to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Assumes personal responsibility for all outcomes; makes effective and timely decisions; and learns how to effectively use technology. Maintains productivity and uses knowledge strategies to increase knowledge base. Demonstrates strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong critical thinking skills aid in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of approaches to problems and the viability of various solutions, and in helping trainees develop these skills themselves to get the most out of their experience. Skill in analyzing complex topics, policies, and procedures to prepare detailed summaries.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Writes and presents information concisely. Interprets and understands written information and can listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding. Possess excellent training and group facilitation skills.
• The applicant should demonstrate the ability to work with populations with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others. Ability demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and commitment utilizing a strengths-based approach to working with families. Capable of interacting pleasantly and positively with others to meet customer expectations and provide follow-up with customers.
• The applicant must be able to engage in the coaching process-specifically, to be receptive to feedback, willing to role play, and willing to try new skills.
• Proficiency with personal computers, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The Hiring Range for the Training Specialist is in the mid $60,000s to mid $70,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

The Hiring Range for the Senior Training Specialist is in the mid $70,000s to mid $80,000s, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.