Staff Development Specialist III (Social Work Trainer) - 122400555, 122400521

Position Overview

Position(s) located in Performance Management Division with a focus on Virtual Social Work Training. Applicants are encouraged to document any training(s) the applicant has conducted in any position on the application. Open recruitment until filled.

Examples of Duties

This position will be under the supervision of the Staff Development Social Work Supervisor. The primary purpose of this position is to be responsible for the consultative and administrative work in directing the training and staff development activities for social work staff for the Cumberland County Department of Social Services. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising a program of in-service training for all social work staff. The position must be able to identify needs, develop programs, and offer training to professional social worker staff, thus enabling them to carry out the responsibilities of the position. This employee studies and determines training needs of professional staff; plans and formulates training activities and materials. This employee may plan and presents orientation programs for new social work members. This employee plans and coordinates developmental institutes, annual workshops and related meetings as required. Develops programs and support opportunities to impact on and reduce worker burn out and job-related stress. Trains social work staff on various social work and other related topics in areas as needs and identified by the department leadership. This employee may conduct State mandated classroom training for such programs as Child Protective Services. Foster Care, and Adoptions. This employee may conduct one-on-one training with professional social work staff, who demonstrate work performance deficiencies. This employee may advise individual employees on training needs, of available educational or training resources, and means of utilizing such resources; and assists in planning programs. This position will work with other social service agencies and educational institutions in coordinating training activities or conducting outreach initiatives; works directly with social work line supervisors and others to provide feedback as to on-going in-services training needs and follow-up needed. Aids and prepares individual Social Work Supervisors on methods for offering ongoing instruction as part of unit meetings and individual worker conferences. This employee is critical in the development of staff in various areas such as critical thinking etc. This employee will conduct training to enhance technical, professional, administrative, and managerial skills. It should be expressly understood that the duties of this position may include other related duties not described, herein. Position(s) incumbent is required to be completely accurate in all phases work performed. This position is responsible for assessing training needs, formulating training design and development and delivery of all necessary training products. The employee is expected to perform a large portion of assigned duties independently; written and verbal instructions and guidance are provided by position supervisor or management; programmatic updates are provided by Federal and State agencies as they occur. This employee(s) uses Federal and State laws/regulations and policy guidance in addition to memorandums and messages from State and/or Regional Offices. This employee must be knowledgeable of current assessment, design development, delivery, and training methods. Additionally, this employee must be familiar with strategic planning and goal setting methodologies. Employee must meet certification requirements to be able to train on some topics. This employee is expected to function semi-independently in this position. The employee's supervisor is available as required. This position supervisor will jointly prepare performance work plans and set objectives with this employee. This employee is in contact with the Regional and State offices concerning programmatic issues and trends. The employee will develop a networking process with other county agencies in order to develop a combined effort to enhance service delivery to the citizens of Cumberland County and staff development efforts. Good working relationships with external customers such as State trainers and surrounding educational institutions are necessary. The position is responsible for the training and development of social work staff. Employee works semi-independently under the general supervision of Performance Management Leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Education & Experience: In addition to the minimum education and experience qualifications, at least one (1) year of experience as a Social Worker III or have successfully completed the North Carolina Core Training for CPS and/or APS. Possess general knowledge of the methods and principles of casework, supervision, and training, and the ability to supervise, train, or instruct social workers, students or interns in the program. Minimum Education & Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of experience in a progressive training or teaching role; must include experience in organizing training events, assessing needs, counseling and evaluating sessions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Management Preference: Preference will be given to candidates with a thorough understanding of social work practice, including ethical and legal frameworks, and familiarity with policies, regulations, and best practices for Children and/or Adult Services; a minimum of 5 years of direct social work practice experience in child welfare and/or adult services; prior experience in a training or educational role within the social work field with a proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate training programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of social work practitioners.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of techniques and methods of conducting formal and informal training programs. Considerable knowledge of theory, practices, and principles of human behavior. Ability to adapt and communicate information to a wide range of audiences and situations. Ability to formulate ideas and communicate them effectively in oral and written form. Ability to interpret and administer federal and State guidelines and apply them to individual programs. Conditions of Employment: The selected applicant will be subject to the following conditions prior to appointment. Failure to complete or fulfill these conditions may result in dismissal. The employee in this position may be operating motor vehicles for Cumberland County and shall have a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Each applicant who is tendered an offer for employment for any position with Cumberland County shall be tested for the use of drugs specified in the County policy. Refusal to submit to testing or a confirmed positive test shall be a basis for withdrawal of the conditional employment offer. Law enforcement background check is required. Duties of this position require the use of the employee's personal vehicle. This position will be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. The Cumberland County Department of Social Services has a dress code policy that must be adhered to. This policy includes specific guidelines related to tattoos and body piercing. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302. Prior to employment start date, an official transcript must be presented in its original unopened envelope. To check the status of your application, please log into your account and click "Application Status." If there are specific questions regarding this posting, you may contact DSS Human Resources @ (910) 677-2604. The Cumberland County Department of Social Services stands united to strengthen individuals and families and to protect children and vulnerable adults. We collaborate with our community partners to provide programs and services which engage our customers in improving their quality of life. We envision our Department... as a catalyst for improving quality of life through teamwork, partnership, forward thinking, and cutting-edge service delivery. We envision our customers...as partners, motivated and empowered to improve their quality of life. A quality customer experience, business operations and employee experience represent our three Core Standards that guide our principles and values. We have identified eight core values and validating behaviors that define our Departments: Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Diversity, Innovation, Optimism, Integrity and Flexibility.