Job Title: RN- Training Specialist

Job Summary: The RN-Training Specialist supports the Training Department by teaching and developing curricula in accordance with State Training Guidelines; scheduling and coordinating training dates and times with Training Department Staff and students; tracking training data and transcript information; as well as assisting CLS Peer Mentors in adding first-person perspective to training curricula. The Training Specialist teaches curricular content using an adult learning model. Training times are split between formal Community Living Services (CLS) classroom settings, online/remote trainings platforms, and external training facilities.

The RN-Training Specialist is part of agency-wide efforts to educate CLS Staff and Direct Care Professionals in the delivery of supports to individuals with disabilities in an effort to empower and improve the lives of individuals served by CLS.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Director of Training.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Training:

• Delivers approved trainings per contract with DWIHN and other funding agencies. Including (but not limited to): Introduction to Residential Services, Nutrition, Working With People, and CPR/First Aid, Health and Medication training including the scheduling and evaluating skills demonstrations.
• Provides educational support services to individuals we support, support circles, providers/staffing agents, and others.
• Uses an adult learning model and the concepts of participation, skill practice, feedback, re-practice and support.
• Conducts educational support service meetings, “kitchen table” dialogues, and support strategy meetings with provider agencies/staffing agents and key people involved in the person’s life.
• Educates circles of friends, providers/staffing agents, caregivers, and support staff in the spirit of support through practica, and in-service training.
• Assesses trainee's acquisition of learning and utilizing standardized measures and procedures (including written assessments, return skill demonstrations.)
• Prepares and distributes the quarterly training calendar in conjunction with Training Coordinator.
• Provides on site education and support to providers/staffing agents, families and care givers in developing and maintaining person centered planning, self-determination, wellness and positive practices including, social and emotional health measures.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform skills taught in training such as community connections, companionship, risk management, and support strategies.
• Educates the people we support, circle members, contract providers and support staff through classroom experiences, in-service training, and visits to the homes of people we serve.
• Documents all training sessions, utilizing departmental procedures and instruments.
• Performs other training related duties as assigned by the Director of Training.

Training Climate

• Builds a learning partnership. Practices team work, problem solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, decision making and group dynamics.
• Coordinates training dates for classes requiring external presenters
• Promotes a learning atmosphere that fosters personal growth and self-esteem.
• Maintains an open dialogue for effective communication.
• Integrates agency guiding principles, person centered planning, self-determination and gentle teaching practices into training sessions.

Educational Development

• Conducts needs assessments, contacts appropriate manager/supervisor for training interventions and utilizes follow-up measures to determine outcome achievement.
• Develops training materials in best practice areas such as: Person Centered Planning, Self Determination, Cultural Competence, Culture of Gentleness, Autism, and other related areas related to the field of Developmental Disabilities.
• Submits training content and design flows to the Director of Training.
• Utilizes various venues like traditional classroom, distance learning, training of trainers, home visits, and online trainings to deliver training.
• Designs and conducts participatory learning experiences which are responsive to each venue as well as management's and participant's needs and desired outcomes.

Personal Development and Education :

• Acquires and maintains knowledge and skill as determined by departmental standards.
• Utilizes his/her knowledge and skill in the areas of team-building, problem solving, interpersonal communication, decision making, and group dynamics to facilitate the learning process and skill acquisition.
• Demonstrates initiative and willingness to assist others.
• Demonstrates sensitivity for ethnic, cultural, sexual, educational, ability, and differences by portraying confidentiality, respect, dignity, integrity towards all persons.
• Advocates securing human and legal rights and provide equal opportunities for everyone.
• Attends continuing education in various agency initiatives to achieve a synthesis and an integration of the approaches of person centered planning, culture of gentleness, and self-determination.
• Completes annual training requirements per DWIHN’s training grid, and seeks to further and deepen knowledge in core content areas.
• Maintains Training Certification through American Red Cross in CPR, First Aid, and AED for infants, children, and adults.

Education and Requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN) Degree with current Michigan license in good standing.
• Minimum one year experience working with persons with developmental disabilities or mental health issues. Willingness and ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends as training schedules dictates.
• Ability to demonstrate skills taught in training such as body mechanics and lifting.
• Ability to travel to deliver training in the community.

Extensive scheduled and non-scheduled travel is required in executing essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Employees must provide their own transportation. Maintenance of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and vehicle registration and insurance in compliance with State of Michigan requirements are all continuing conditions of employment. If driving a vehicle other than the one listed on file with the Human Resources Department, employee is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is registered, insured and meets all other State of Michigan motor vehicle requirements and providing documentation as requested.

CLS policy restricts the use of an alternate driver without the express, prior written authorization of the Human Resources Director. A review of such request will be based on evaluation of HIPAA compliance issues, work restrictions and other relevant factors.

Special Knowledge and Abilities:

• Positive, team-oriented attitude
• Robust understanding of, and firm commitment to, the CLS Mission and Vision and its focus on a self-determined and person-centered approach to supports and services
• Use of adult education principles and practices in educating and supporting the people important in the person’s life so they can ensure each person acquires a strong sense of companionship and community.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate skills such as Person Centered Planning, Self-Determination, Cultural Competency and other areas deemed necessary by the agency.
• The capacity to interweave theory, skill practice, feedback, and re-practice on an adult learning model.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and computer skills including use of Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel or the equivalent.
• Certification as a CPR/AED/First Aid instructor and maintaining current certification

Training:

The candidate must complete Train the Trainer class or equivalent as specified within the State Training Guidelines found at www.improvingmipractices.org . Formal and informal training in training technique, philosophy and standardized curricula with experienced trainers and other training that may be required to meet department standards.