Training Program Coordinator #W2308
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Local Training and Development is currently seeking a Training Program Coordinator. This is a professional level position responsible for leading, and/or coordinating training and professional development initiatives for Human Services Staff (Family Services, Benefit Programs, and Child Care Subsidy) employed at Virginia's Local Departments of Social Services as well as community partners. This position will design, develop, deliver, evaluate instructor-led training in the most efficient and effective manner, maintain a positive learning environment, and stay abreast of Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) related policy and guidance, issues and innovations in local agency practices and trends, and new training industry practices focusing on comprehensive Motivational Interviewing (MI) curriculum. Beyond traditional classroom delivery, this area of emphasis is deeply rooted in applied practice and ongoing supportive coaching. The Training Program Coordinator serves as a developmental coach, providing direct, reflective coaching sessions to staff and supervisors to ensure MI concepts translate successfully into daily front-line social service interactions. The duties and responsibilities also include evaluating the effectiveness of training through designated assessment strategies and recommending, as needed, to the curriculum developer changes and improvements in training content, providing the highest quality of training and assistance to class participants, while maintaining excellent working relationships with VDSS management, staff, and Regional Training Office staff.
Requirements
- Direct experience in a social services, clinical, or academic setting utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a primary intervention framework.
- Deep, nuanced understanding of MI principles, the four processes (Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, Planning), and the "MI Spirit" (Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, Evocation).
- Extensive experience designing and facilitating professional, interactive training programs tailored to adult learners.
- Mastery of developmental and supportive coaching methodologies (e.g. reflective coaching practices) distinct from traditional teaching or administrative supervision.
- Strong familiarity with the systemic challenges, mandates, compliance pressures, and crisis dynamics experienced by social services front-line staff.
- Considerable knowledge of adult learning theories, training methodologies, group facilitation best practices, instructional aids, and curriculum mapping to transition learners from introductory concepts to advanced application.
- Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and group dynamic management skills, with the ability to handle resistance or disengagement in the classroom.
- Demonstration of high-level proficiency in modeling MI skills during training simulations and role-plays.
- Skill in delivering candid, strengths-based behavioral feedback, evaluating practice to pinpoint growth areas, and analyzing training results using designated assessment strategies.
- Ability to connect genuinely with front-line workers, validate the high-stress nature of their roles, recognize, support, and motivate individuals requiring extra assistance to encourage professional growth.
- Ability to pivot training delivery based on the immediate energy, skill level, or structural needs of the cohort.
- Ability to objectively evaluate a worker's practice sample and accurately pinpoint strengths and growth areas.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and mandates relevant to social services.
- Technical Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, PowerPoint), virtual delivery platforms (WebEx, Zoom, MS Teams), and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners, including university partners, to achieve agency goals.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, meet deadlines, travel throughout Virginia to deliver training, and interact professionally with all levels of VDSS, state, and local entities.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license, with the ability to meet statewide travel requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Considerable experience in professional stand-up training or instruction and virtual instruction, in a Human Service, Social Service, or public sector setting.
- MINT Certification.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and deliver instructor-led training.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of training through designated assessment strategies.
- Recommend changes and improvements to training content.
- Provide high-quality training and assistance to class participants.
- Maintain excellent working relationships with VDSS management, staff, and Regional Training Office staff.
- Serve as a developmental coach, providing direct, reflective coaching sessions to staff and supervisors.
- Ensure MI concepts translate successfully into daily front-line social service interactions.
- Stay abreast of VDSS-related policy and guidance, issues and innovations in local agency practices and trends, and new training industry practices focusing on comprehensive Motivational Interviewing (MI) curriculum.
- Travel throughout Virginia to deliver training.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Meet deadlines.
- Interact professionally with all levels of VDSS, state, and local entities.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Pre-tax spending accounts
- State funded Short and Long Term Disability
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Tuition assistance
- Free wellness programs
- State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
