Training Specialist - Part-time

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Training Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This is complex professional work providing, training, mentoring and support to residential staff, volunteers, and interns providing critical services and supports to at-risk children. The employee in this position is expected to become familiar with agency contract goals and requirements and to ensure staff skill building to optimize performance toward those goals. In addition, knowledge of Florida Child Welfare statutes, administrative code and operating procedures as well as any additional policies provided by the local Lead Agency or Department of Children and Families is necessary for the proper performance of this position. The Training Specialist is required to demonstrate advanced skills in communicating with, motivating, training and coaching employees, interns and volunteers. Additional responsibilities include the coordination and tracking of volunteer, intern, and new employee training, in-service trainings, and community agency training focused on promoting the program goals for children served through the Hands of Mercy Everywhere residential program.  

Essential Functions:

• Creates, identifies, and coordinates the activities of newly hired employees, interns, and volunteers to ensure compliance with training requirements, and opportunities for skill building.
• Serves as point of contact for tracking training requirements. 
• Reviews and assists with complex cases, provides guidance and support. 
• Identifies performance needs of residential team members and develops and implements training plans and/or other opportunities for performance improvement.
• Provides guidance to employees by coaching, motivating, training, and providing staff development activities.
• Provides orientation and training for staff, mentors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Responsible for creating and updating training manuals and materials.
• Conducts annual staff training survey and creates annual training plan based on results.
• Delivers in-service trainings as requested by leadership team or as required by DCF training and licensing requirements.
• Attends statewide in-service trainings and arranges for sharing new information gathered with residential services team.
• Provides community education through public presentations.
• Participates in agency CQI activities as required.

Other Functions:             

All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards:

• Courtesy: Treats customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image. 
• Communication Skills: Keeps Education and Life Skills Director and other Directors fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential challenges. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication and presential skills.
• Teamwork: Supports the residential services team and volunteer network to accomplish the goals of the program. 
• Safety: Makes reasonable efforts to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area and ensures that employees do the same.
• Training: Attends and successfully completes all mandated training courses. Must complete all agency requirements to achieve and maintain certification as a Child Caring Agency through Department of Children and Families and accreditation through COA.
• Confidentiality: Adheres to all confidentiality rules.

Physical Requirements:

Must have a high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours, be able to travel as needed.

Education/Experience:

Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human services field. Must have a minimum of two years’ experience working with at-risk youth/families.  Training experience strongly preferred. 

Skills:

• Knowledge of theories and practice of child protection, social work and trauma-based interventions and principles.
• Knowledge of professional ethics related to child protection and counseling.
• Knowledge of theories of adult learning, ability to facilitate group and individual training activities 
• Knowledge of physical and behavioral indicators of abuse and neglect.  
• Knowledge of effective consultation and interviewing skills. 
• Knowledge of training techniques.  
• Ability to assess team performance and develop staff development/training plans.  
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.  
• Ability to communicate effectively.  
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations policies, and procedures.  

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports directly to Education and Life Skills Director
• Team player with co-workers, administrators, and funders
• Accurate, complete, and timely submission of required reports
• Adherence to all licensing and quality assurance standards
• Adherence to agency policies and procedures