Child Welfare Training Specialist

The University of Pittsburgh's Child Welfare Education and Research Programs is seeking a Child Welfare Training Specialist. The Child Welfare Training Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, delivering, evaluating, and enhancing training and professional development opportunities provided to Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families' staff. The specialist will facilitate training to newly hired caseworkers and provide one-on-one, small group, and large group education for agency staff based on new or enhanced practice initiatives and identified needs.

The Training Specialist will assume responsibility for the provision of community education regarding pertinent child welfare issues and conduct training development activities, which include administration of training needs assessments, development of new curricula, quality review and enhancement to existing curricula, and the review and incorporation of relevant national and system level data, literature, laws, policies, regulations, and child welfare practice standards into training curricula.

This specialist will provide mentoring and coaching to individuals and assist the department to grow educational opportunities in pertinent areas of child welfare practice such as father engagement; motivational and investigative interviewing; trauma-informed care; and personal safety. Requirements include a minimum of 5 years' experience with Child Welfare practice. Bachelor's degree required.

Must possess competency using technology as well as excellent interpersonal and organization skills; initiative-taking, creativity; time-management, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to meeting emerging needs and assignments. The Child Welfare Training Specialist is expected to initiate projects and processes beyond established organizational expectations and practices.

This position involves training and developing others as Child Welfare professionals, guiding learners through a critical thought process, and supporting them in the transfer of learning to apply best practices to their practice with children, youth, families, and stakeholders. Specialist should be knowledgeable of and comfortable facilitating critical conversations. This position is located at Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families in Pittsburgh, PA with a home office in the Penn Hills community.

Hybrid work occasionally permitted under a Flexible Work Agreement. Some travel required.