Practice Instructor

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Center for Child Welfare Excellence, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, in partnership with the New York City Administration for Children Services (ACS), focuses on continuous quality improvement and the implementation, evaluation, and refinement of transfer of learning strategies for the Office of Training and Workforce Development. This office provides essential foundational and ongoing learning for child welfare and juvenile justice direct service staff and supervisors through the ACS James Satterwhite Academy and Workforce Institute. Utilizing methods such as simulation and coaching, staff develop strengths-based skills to protect and support children, youth, and families in New York City. The ACS James Satterwhite Academy (JSA) establishes fundamental practice for new staff and supervisors, while the ACS Workforce Institute (WI) offers professional development for staff across ACS and partner agencies in the child welfare and juvenile justice sectors. The Practice Instructor, through the partnership between the Silberman School of Social Work and ACS JSA, will be part of a team dedicated to supporting the transfer of learning for new Child Protective Specialists (CPS) during their intensive 41-day onboarding period, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job learning. Practice Instructors are responsible for developing and facilitating practice opportunities that allow new CPS to demonstrate skills acquired in the classroom and during their on-the-job learning (OJL), including assessing the skills and knowledge of trainees throughout the onboarding process. Reporting to the Practice Instructor Supervisor, this role involves close collaboration with ACS staff, CUNY partners, and consultants to coordinate all aspects of the Practice Instructor function, with a specific focus on supporting new CPS as they navigate the practice core training and OJL. The position will work with a team of training supervisors at the James Satterwhite Academy (JSA) and with Staff Development Coordinators in the Division of Child Protection to ensure classroom learning is reinforced by on-the-job experiences. This role is crucial in coordinating the onboarding experience, integrating classroom time and OJL, and ensuring trainees are adequately prepared for the demanding role of a Child Protective Specialist. The Practice Instructor will act as a key liaison within the Supporting Knowledge into Practice (SKIP) team to unify all components of the onboarding process.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Services, preferred degree in social work
A minimum of 2 years of public and/or private agency experience working within a child welfare or juvenile justice system
A minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in a social service setting
Ability to travel between program locations to support program staff as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience using coaching and skills such as motivational interviewing and assessment of risk and safety
Prior knowledge/experience in child welfare
Sensitivity and experience working with diverse cultural and linguistic populations
Knowledge of child welfare
Ability to work on multiple projects effectively and efficiently
Ability to positively engage with partners in various levels of hierarchy
Strong communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently to achieve necessary results
Capability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects at one time
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Commitment to a collegial workplace

Responsibilities

Supporting the transfer of knowledge of trainees through the on-boarding process, including participating in practice core trainings
Designing and implementing activities that support the transfer of learning of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and integrate the on-the-job learning experiences
Facilitating Touch Points within the CPS Post CORE Bridge Program to support the application of newly learned skills, assess competence, and provide strengths-based feedback
Facilitating Skills Practice Assessment days to support the application of newly learned skills, assess competence, and provide strengths-based feedback
Assessing trainees during their on-the-job experiences to determine strengths and areas of need, and to provide developmental feedback
Working closely with Staff Development Coordinators and Training Unit staff in the Division of Child Protection to support trainees in the boroughs to reinforce classroom learning through on-the-job experiences
Providing trainees with technical and adaptive support at the end of each module to assure they are able to meet the appropriate competency level
Participating in SKIP team meetings
Working collaboratively with the SKIP Borough Based Coach who provides support to Training Unit supervisor in order to support the new trainee
Participating in special assignments as needed
Other duties as assigned