Foster Parent Training Specialist

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky's College of Social Work in Lexington seeks a Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist to lead statewide foster parent training initiatives. You will oversee curriculum design, training development and delivery, program evaluation, and the use of innovative learning technologies across in-person, virtual, online, and blended formats.

You will translate research and stakeholder input into practical learning solutions, coordinate statewide outreach and

Qualifications

• MA required for professional education and practice.
• 3 years of relevant experience in foster/adoption or child welfare.
• Ability to lead curriculum development and training initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, expansion, implementation and continuous improvement of statewide foster parent training and caregiver support.
• Direct curriculum and instructional design, training development and delivery, program evaluation and QA.
• Coordinate statewide outreach, partnerships, and program operations; support project, contract, budget and resources.

Skills

Child Welfare Knowledge

Instructional Design

Interpersonal Skills

Research Skills

Copyright Knowledge

Time Management

Information Development

Public Speaking

Oral & Written Communication

Attention to Detail

Organization

Microsoft Office

Social Media Platforms

Education

MA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title:

Foster Parent Training Specialist

Working Title:

Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist

Department:

College of Social Work

Work Location:

Lexington, KY

Grade Level:

45

Salary Range:

$48,214-79,560/year

Position Type:

Staff, Full-Time

Required Education:

MA

Required Experience:

3 years

Physical Requirements:

Repetitive motion typical of desk work (sitting, bending, typing, twisting); prolonged exposure to computer screen; pushing, lifting, or pulling up to 25 lbs.

Shift:

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hrs/wk); Evening and weekend work will be required.

Job Summary:

Since 1983, College of Social Work has been a leader in higher education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways. To assist in actualizing our mission, we seek a qualified Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist. This position provides leadership for the development, expansion, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide foster parent training and caregiver support initiatives. The position leads curriculum and instructional design, training development and delivery, program evaluation, quality assurance, and the use of innovative learning technologies across in-person, virtual, online, and blended environments. Responsibilities include identifying emerging caregiver and child welfare training needs; translating research, data, stakeholder input, and program priorities into practical learning solutions; and evaluating outcomes to guide program improvement and growth. The position also provides coordination for statewide outreach, partnerships, special initiatives, and program operations; serves as a subject‑matter and technical resource to staff, DCBS, and other partners; and supports project, contract, budget, and resource oversight to ensure high-quality, accessible, and responsive training services for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers across Kentucky.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Professional Knowledge of Child Welfare Practices and Foster/Adoptive Service Provision
• Instructional Design
• Interpersonal Skills
• Research Skills
• Knowledge of Copyright Regulations
• Time Management
• Information Development
• Public Speaking
• Oral and Written Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Organization
• Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Social Media Platforms

Preferred Education / Experience:

Lived experience as a Foster or Adoptive parent

Deadline to Apply:

10/12/2026

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement:

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

For equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies