Training Specialist

at  Virginia Department of Social Services

Title Description- Benefit Programs Training Specialist represents the full performance level for employees responsible for identifying training needs, gathering and developing data for training delivery, and delivering the training or coordinating the delivery by other individuals to the targeted recipients or agency employees. The position requires working knowledge and understanding of Benefit Programs including, but not limited to, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, VIEW, Child Care, and LIHEAP.

• Specializes in area of staff/provider training and development;
• Identifies training needs and develops appropriate curricula and materials; Coordinates or conducts the training after consultation with agency executives;
• Markets trainings, maintains updated trainee information, and generates a variety of reports to assess performance;
• Assesses overall success of training program;
• Sets appropriate goals for continued enhancement and development of the program;
• Coordinates purchase, delivery, and usage of all training/office supplies and materials;
• Maintains training files and other department records in accordance with state/local regulations;
• Consults in the development of training programs for Social Service adhering to timely delivery of new agency programs;
• Conducts, attends and/or participates in staff meetings, meetings with other departments, meetings with citizen or civic groups, and meetings with outside resources or agencies;
• Attends seminars and conferences and reads industry trade journals, agency literature to stay current with Federal and State regulatory agencies and to improve training skills; and
• May maintain a web site for dissemination of program information and education.Overnight travel as needed for attendance at required trainings and classes.
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  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge- Working knowledge of: human needs and social problems and how society has responded to the rights of individuals to have these needs met in order to understand and train others in the policies, principles, and practices of current social service programs; subject area to accurately convey curriculum content; training methods and practices; techniques of training delivery sufficient to promote adult learning; policies, procedures, and activities of the County and of Social Services Department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Training Specialist; practices, methods, and procedures relating to subject areas being taught; development of training curricula and training materials; terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department; and laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures relating to training activities.
  Skills- Skill in: operating a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; and utilizing the associated software programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing.
  Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: present and explain orally facts, ideas, and information to individuals and groups sufficient to promote adult learning; plan and design programs, activities, and materials sufficient to prepare training programs which will meet organizational needs; establish and maintain working relationships with others sufficient to achieve local agency training and development goals; plan, prioritize, and perform multiple activities independently sufficient to organize own work schedule and to schedule and coordinate the training activities of others; present and explain in writing facts, ideas, and information sufficient to prepare reports, correspondence, and training materials; gather and evaluate data in order to identify the strengths and needs of an individual or organization; comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information; assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner; effectively communicate both orally and in writing; interact successfully with subordinates, supervisors, staff and members of the general public; use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision; use mathematical calculations, percentages and decimals; read, understand and interpret financial, technical and computer reports and related material; provide effective training in a classroom or small group setting; assemble information from a variety of sources and formulate content for training; assess training needs; use audio visual and computer generated aids to enhance training delivery; generate and use evaluation materials to assess effectiveness of training; and conduct dynamic training and engage participants.
  Education and Experience- Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, education, or closely related field; supplemented with work experience and/or training that includes social work, training/teaching, curricula development, supervision, and personal computer operations OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  Special Requirements- All applicants are subject to employment verification and reference checks, verification of education, a DMV/driving record check, Central Registry check and criminal history check to evaluate for barrier crime as described in the Code of Virginia §63.2-1719.
  All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
  Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
  Employees must also meet local vehicle insurance requirements.
  Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
  Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.