Job Description

Job Title: Training Specialist

Department/Program: Training

Is The Position: _ New X Existing

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: 6

FSS Mission Statement

The mission of Family Support Services of North Florida is to be the leader in providing safety, stability, and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit.

Organizational Expectations

Commitment – As the lead Child Welfare Agency in North Florida FSS prides itself on our employees’ commitment to the agency and the children and families we serve. This is demonstrated by being available at a moment’s notice to assist clients regardless of the time of day. This is also demonstrated by employees’ commitment to maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.

Career Development – FSS is committed to being a learning organization that supports employees in their pursuit of professional growth and career development. Therefore employees are highly encouraged to explore and broaden their knowledge and skill sets to achieve their career goals.

Professionalism – Employees are expected to demonstrate professionalism in their appearance and demeanor when representing FSS at internal and external meetings, trainings, and events.

Teamwork – Putting the interests of FSS clients first is critical to the success of the organization. This requires all employees maintain consistent and timely communication, provide support to co-workers and colleagues and demonstrate the principles of teamwork.

Responsible Citizenship – In keeping with our mission and values employees are encouraged to volunteer 15 hours per year to assist with FSS and FSS-sponsored events.

Customer Service – As employees of the Lead Child Welfare Agency in North Florida FSS employees will demonstrate their commitment to providing our clients (internal/external) with consistent, meaningful and exceptional service.

Job Summary:

The Training Specialist is responsible for ensuring that Child Protection Professionals are trained and certified according to the state of Florida and Department of Children and Families (DCF) requirements. The Training Specialist is also responsible for facilitating continued in-service training opportunities to ensure all Child Welfare Professionals maintain their certification. Additional responsibilities may include: cross training in P.R.I.D.E., Field Support/Coaching of case managers, child protection investigators (CPIs) and supervisors to ensure transfer of learning; and development of workshops and curriculum to meet the training needs of the agency, case management organizations and the Department of Children and Families CPIs..

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services required. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred and can substitute for one year of experience.

Experience

Three years professional experience in child welfare with at least two years in a dependency related position and formal experience in trainer/teacher related activities (developing curriculum, presentation construction, training facilitation, etc.).Two years of documented certified protective investigation experience.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply best practice standards to service delivery.
• Work independently.
• Train individuals or groups of people.
• Evaluate and analyze training data.
• Prepare a variety of written training materials such as lesson plans, curricula, performance evaluations or reports.
• Communicate effectively with staff and classroom participants.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before small and large groups.
• Communicate in a way that supports learning.
• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables with a minimum of direction.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Interpret and answer classroom participant questions.
• Use discretion and judgment consistently without immediate direction or supervision.

Advanced Knowledge of:

• Child protection and preservation programs.
• Principles and techniques of effective communication.
• Principles of human behavior, learning and communication.
• Principles, methods and techniques of training and instruction.

Skills:

• Communication skills
• Basic math skills.
• Basic computer skills.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration

Current Child Protection Professional certification and current knowledge of Florida's Child Protection system. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening.
• Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside
• Clear a substance abuse screen.
• Clear a Motor Vehicle Records check
• Maintain and provide proof of auto insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000.
• Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).

Job Duties

Essential Duties

% of Time

Review and prepare material prior to each training class to ensure there have been no changes to law or policy that may impact training. Research resources and materials that will allow for the enhancement of the training including networking with community resource representatives who may be available to provide training to our trainees. Arrange for the training room environment including set up and materials.

7%

Participate in required train-the-trainer sessions and other trainings to enhance performance.

5%

Participate in individual and group meetings with the supervisor to provide feedback and receive new information. Meet with service and quality assurance personnel to identify training needs. Participate in staff conferences and curricula development to develop and improve training programs.

4%

Provide orientation and direct training as required based on the modules developed for Pre-Service, P.R.I.D.E and In Service training. Participate in the development and delivery of in-service training including any statewide mandatory training that may be required for the district or region. The trainer should be willing to cross train in needed areas to balance the training team when necessary. The position requires production of Captivates (Audio/Video Recordings) for the Training Library. Utilization of E- Learnings, Role Plays, iMeet, and Captivate videos are essential. The ability to engage the trainees through icebreakers, openers, energizers and creative methods that facilitate learning.

32%

Monitor class attendance and submission of required documentation and family profiles to the appropriate contact and/or Licensing/Adoption Specialist.

3%

Provide testing and additional tutoring to assist trainees if they are having trouble understanding the material. This may include make-up sessions when it is necessary for staff to miss class.

3%

For Child Welfare Training, complete Field Based Assessments by reviewing cases and going out on field visits with staff to ensure they meet the state requirements. This information must also be documented in writing and reviewed in a consultation with the trainee, their supervisor and the Trainer. The Trainer must also summarize the information and document all contacts. Similar reporting and documentation requirement may be necessary for other trainings. Knowledge of the agency Model of Practice is important and will be included in the PRIDE Training.

14%

Engage adult learners, utilize adult learning theory and implement instructional design principles.

2%

Ensure that all new incumbents hired into a position requiring the classification of Child Protection Professional are trained using Florida’s standardized Pre-service Curriculum, are administered the competency exam and are registered with the Florida Certification Board.

2%

Ensure that all Child Protection Professional incumbents achieve full credentialing or achieve initial certification through the Florida Certification Board within 12 months of the administering the competency exam.

2%

Administer specific assessments for the purpose of evaluating the competency level of the new Child Protection Professional.

2%

Develop Individual Learning Plan(s) with the Child Protection Professional

2%

Provide group and individual supervision and provide constructive feedback.

2%

Deliver training in Florida’s automated child welfare information system, Florida Safe Family Network (FSFN).

2%

Maintain, track and verify training records of the Child Protection Professionals.

2%

Explicitly focus all trainings/instruction or workshops on the transfer of classroom skills to the work environment.

2%

Research best practice models in child welfare. Provide a diverse array of training through the use of classroom instruction, webinars and self-paced training.

2%

Ability to apply a variety of instructional techniques including role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, lectures to real work situations and debrief activities to arrive at learning outcome.

2%

Develop and design innovative approaches to the delivery of on-going in-service trainings. Ensure that instruction complies with Florida Statute and Administrative codes.

2%

Ensure competence and fidelity in training objectives for FSSNF system of care models which includes but is not limited to: Family Team Conferencing, Solution Based Case Work and Permanency Round Table.

2%

Participate in training work groups and committees that enhance the Child Protection Professional work performance and produces positive outcomes.

2%

Evaluate the impact of training on case management and ensure that evaluation data are used to identify areas where improvement is needed.

2%

Maintain a pulse on state and local initiatives in order to ensure that ongoing training opportunities mirror best practice.

2%

Supervisory/Decision-making Authority
This position does not require the customary supervision and management of two or more employees.
Two examples of the most common decisions made independently by this position on a regular basis without following prescribed procedures are as follows:

• Utilizes feedback and requests to determine curriculum design for requested trainings.
• Identifies in-service topics for training.

Contribution and Impact

Training (in-service and pre-service) assists in meeting Child Protection and PRIDE certification requirements, which is mandated through state policy. All child protection professionals; family service counselors, must be certified to work with families under DCF supervision.

Strategic Value

Training (in-service, pre-service) is valuable because it helps with providing workers with information, tools, and skills needed to assess child safety factors and provide services to at-risk families and foster parents/adoptive parents the information for them to be successful.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (R=Required P=Preferred)

Sitting _R_ Standing R__ Walking _P_ Lifting R__(50 lbs) Carrying _R_ Kneeling _P_

Pushing/Pulling P__ Bending/Stooping R__ Climbing _R_ Reaching _P_ Crawling/Crouching _P_ Grasping _R_ Turning R__ Repetitive Motions _R_ Color Recognition _P_ Depth Perception _P_ Reading _R_ Hearing _P_ Other (describe) __

HAZARDS: (X=Potential Exposure)

Proximity to moving mechanical parts _ Electrical current __

Toxic or caustic chemicals __ Radiation ___ Biohazards (airborne or contact) ____ Housekeeping and/or cleaning agents _X__ Flammable, explosive gases ____ Human-borne pathogens __X__ Other: _X_

SKILL REQUIREMENTS: (R=Required P=Preferred)

Drive motor vehicle _P_ Prepare food ____ Typing/Keyboard R__ Word processing software _R_

Data base software P__ Spreadsheet software _P_ Other software _P_ Calculator _R_ Operate

office machines _R_ (Fax, Copier) Verbal communication (including telephone) _R_ Written

communication (including composition) _R_ Public speaking/group presentations _P_ Team-oriented

and collaborative interpersonal relationships _R_ Respectful client relationships _R_ Client

assessment and evaluation R__ Retrieve and compile information _R _ Verify data _R_ Maintain

records _R __ Organize and prioritize information _R_ Analyze and interpret information R__

Investigate, evaluate and recommend action P_ Basic mathematical concepts (add, subtract, multiply,

divide) _P_ Advanced mathematical concepts (fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, graphs) __

Abstract mathematical concepts (interpolation, inference, frequency, reliability, formulas, equations,

statistics) __ Reasoning and logic _R_ Sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic

characteristics _R_

FSSNF provides equal employment and advancement opportunity for all individuals without discrimination because of race, creed, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, military status, marital status, or the other protected categories as defined by the EEOC and takes affirmative action in the implementation of this policy. If an accommodation is needed in order to participate in the application process, please contact the appropriate servicing human resources office.

Employee Acknowledgement:

I have reviewed and understand the requirements stated in this Job Description.

Print Name

Employee’s Signature

Date

Supervisor’s Review

I have reviewed the information contained in this Job Description and believe it to be an accurate reflection of the job functions and duties for the described position.

Supervisor’s Signature

Date

Job Type: Contract

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gainesville, FL 32601: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location