Training Specialist

Overview

This full-time, exempt Training Specialist position is based in Houston, TX and reports to the Director of Professional Development. The role focuses on planning and delivering high-quality learning experiences for new and existing employees, foster/adoptive parents, and community participants. It supports Texans Together’s mission of strengthening services for children and families connected to the Texas foster care system.

The specialist leads structured curriculum consistently across virtual and face-to-face settings, creating an interactive environment that supports learning, retention, and practical application. The role also partners with instructional design and program leadership to keep training content relevant, current, and aligned with organizational objectives.

Teaching and Facilitation

• Deliver instructor-led sessions in classrooms, remote settings, and occasionally eLearning environments.
• Present standardized training for employees in a way that reflects Community Based Care expectations and connects to real-world child welfare practice.
• Run refresher and compliance sessions for experienced staff to reinforce policy updates and changes in practice, adjusting delivery methods for remote audiences when needed.
• Lead targeted workshops both in person and online, adapting topics and examples to participant backgrounds and emerging needs.
• Set up training spaces and virtual environments by handling logistics, preparing materials, and checking equipment, technology, and platforms before each session.

Collaboration and Compliance

• Work with program and evaluation teams to help training activities meet contractual requirements and intended outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, course completion, and evaluation results in the learning management system after each session.
• Keep calendars, rosters, and participation records current to support scheduling and compliance tracking.
• Manage online course participation and module access logs to preserve data accuracy and identify staff follow-up needs.
• Advise employees and supervisors on training options, registration steps, and how to access learning opportunities.
• Respond to questions about training content and provide help with online learning platforms and completion tracking.
• Build strong working relationships by sharing learning resources, upcoming sessions, and development tips.

Continuous Improvement

• Support a culture of ongoing improvement by reviewing and updating materials based on feedback and evolving best practices.
• Check draft and existing content for accessibility needs such as readability, font, alt text, contrast, and captioning, and work with others to improve materials.
• Help create supporting tools such as role-play exercises, discussion guides, and job aids to strengthen learner engagement and practice.
• Gather participant feedback through evaluations and facilitator observations.
• Use trends in learner performance, program feedback, and policy updates to guide curriculum revisions and new content development.
• Summarize successful training activities and staff development efforts for internal communication and recognition purposes.
• Contribute ideas on curriculum structure and delivery methods based on classroom experience and learner input.
• Research adult learning best practices to improve training materials and keep content accurate and aligned with policy or practice changes.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend adjustments to better meet learner and program needs.
• Address participation or engagement challenges using approaches such as scenario-based learning and peer discussion.
• Design facilitator evaluations that capture feedback on teaching style, clarity, and engagement, and help staff use the results to improve the learning experience.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in education, social work, or a related discipline is preferred; alternatively, 60 accredited college credit hours plus 4 years of CPS casework experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Candidates should have either at least 3 years of recent experience within the last 5 years as a CPS caseworker or manager, or 2 years of CLOE/Learning and Development trainer experience along with 3 years of field experience.

Preferred Background

• Supervision experience in a CPS program.
• Experience delivering classroom-based or distance learning training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of training, development, and adult learning methods.
• Ability to apply adult education practices in classroom and blended learning settings.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and learning content management systems.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and interpersonal communication.
• Strong instructional and workshop facilitation skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for working with staff, leaders, participants, and outside partners.
• Comfort using computers and software for delivery, documentation, and reporting.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to guide and oversee the work of others.
• Capacity to complete assignments that support operations, program goals, and organizational priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships across teams and divisions.

Work Conditions

This is an office-based role with a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some local and statewide travel is expected. Candidates must have reliable personal transportation and current auto insurance.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity workplace and considers applicants without unlawful discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.