Foster Parent Training Specialist

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

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks a Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist to lead statewide training initiatives. The role directs curriculum design, instructional delivery, program evaluation and quality assurance across multiple learning environments.

You will coordinate outreach, partnerships, and operational support for caregiver training and support programs. Ideal candidates hold an MA with 3+ years in child welfare, possess strong communication and project management

Qualifications

• MA required.
• Experience in foster/adoptive service is preferred.
• Knowledge of child welfare practices and caregiver training.
• Strong instructional design and evaluation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide foster parent training.
• Direct curriculum design and delivery across in-person, virtual, and blended formats.
• Coordinate outreach and partnerships to expand training reach.
• Oversee project budgets and resource allocation for training programs.

Skills

Child Welfare

Instructional Design

Public Speaking

Communication

Time Mgmt

Research

MS Office

Social Media

Attention to Detail

Education

Master's Degree

Tools

LMS

Learning Technologies

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Foster Parent Training Specialist

Requisition Number

RE55982

Working Title

Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist

Department Name

8T110:College of Social Work

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

45

Salary Range

$48,214-79,560/year

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

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

Required Related Experience

3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

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 – 5:00 pm (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

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Lived experience as a Foster or Adoptive parent

Deadline to Apply

10/12/2026

Our University Community

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.