Learning and Development Specialist (51116)

Western Growers; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Growers is seeking an experienced Learning & Development Specialist to design, develop, and deliver training programs for Operations staff across our organization. You will partner with SMEs to close performance gaps and implement engaging learning solutions that support Western Growers Health (WGH) and Pinnacle Claims Management (PCMI).

The role focuses on evaluating training effectiveness, applying data-driven improvements, and ensuring high-quality delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant training certification; 2–3 years designing learning solutions in a business environment; healthcare insurance experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of adult learning theory and ISD model.
• Proven experience in instructional design, curriculum development, and instructional technology.
• Ability to plan, develop, and facilitate engaging training programs with coaching techniques.
• Solid knowledge of LMS, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop end-to-end learning solutions: curricula, courses, facilitator guides, materials and assessments.
• Facilitate training independently or with SMEs using various delivery methods.
• Coordinate training sessions in a Learning Management System and prepare learning materials.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using metrics and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Adult learning theory

Instructional design

Coaching techniques

Course management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or relevant training certification

Tools

LMS

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Operations Training, the (L&D) Learning and Development Specialist provides leadership in the creation, coordination, and implementation of high-quality training solutions that enhance operational performance across the organization. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and facilitating effective learning programs for Operations employees supporting Western Growers Health (WGH) and Pinnacle Claims Management (PCMI). In addition to creating, designing, developing, and facilitating learning, the Learning and Development Specialist will evaluate learning program effectiveness by utilizing meaningful metrics. The Learning and Development Specialist writes and incorporates processes, policies, and systems in learning programs and is responsible for high-quality delivery of all work assignments.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Operations Training, the (L&D) Learning and Development Specialist provides leadership in the creation, coordination, and implementation of high-quality training solutions that enhance operational performance across the organization. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and facilitating effective learning programs for Operations employees supporting Western Growers Health (WGH) and Pinnacle Claims Management (PCMI). In addition to creating, designing, developing, and facilitating learning, the Learning and Development Specialist will evaluate learning program effectiveness by utilizing meaningful metrics. The Learning and Development Specialist writes and incorporates processes, policies, and systems in learning programs and is responsible for high-quality delivery of all work assignments.

Duties And Responsibilities

Instructional Design

• Partner with subject matter experts (SMEs) to assess performance gaps and create effective, business-aligned learning solutions.
• Define and write instructional objectives and apply proven instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles.
• Design and create end-to-end learning solutions, including curricula, courses, facilitator guides, participant materials, and assessments.
• Create engaging learning experiences using a variety of delivery methods (e.g., instructor-led, virtual, blended, eLearning).
• Create and develop multimedia and experiential learning assets (videos, simulations, role plays, assessments).
• Write business processes and procedure documents for the approval of department SMEs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using metrics, assessments, and feedback; provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Stay current on learning technologies, tools, and industry best practices to enhance training outcomes.
• Consult with leaders and supervisors on strategies to reinforce learning and sustain performance improvement.

Training Implementation

• Facilitate training independently or in collaboration with SMEs to ensure learning objectives are met.
• Facilitate learning utilizing a wide variety of training methods to enable and reinforce learning.
• Coordinate training sessions in a Learning Management System, schedule learners, and prepare learning materials.
• Consult with leaders and supervisors on strategies to reinforce learning and sustain performance improvement.

Training Administration

• Support learning programs to ensure functional learning objectives are met within cost and performance standards.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using metrics, assessments, and feedback; provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Stay current on learning technologies, tools, and industry best practices to enhance training outcomes.
• Identify learning program issues and support the development of creative solutions such as resources or modifying program specifications.
• Schedule and coordinate the implementation of employee learning and development programs.

Other

• Utilize all capabilities to satisfy one mission — to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. Do everything possible to help members succeed by being curious and striving to understand what others are trying to achieve, planning, and executing work helpfully and collaboratively. Be willing to adjust efforts to ensure that work and attitude are helpful to others, being self-accountable, creating a positive impact, and being diligent in delivering results.
• Maintain internet speed of 40 MB download and 10 MB upload and router with wired Ethernet.
• Maintain a HIPAA-compliant workstation and utilize appropriate security techniques to ensure HIPAA-required protection of all confidential/protected client data.
• Maintain and service safety equipment (e.g., smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit).
• All other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to move around the office. The employee is often required to use tools, objects, and controls. This noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant training certification, with two (2) to three (3) years of experience designing learning solutions (including eLearning) in a business environment; healthcare insurance experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design principles, including the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) model.
• Proven experience in instructional design, curriculum development, and instructional technology.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and facilitate engaging training programs using effective course management and coaching techniques.
• Solid knowledge of course development tools, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Microsoft Office applications.
• Intermediate visual and instructional design skills, including storyboarding and use of Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to develop instructional content, copy, and audio/video scripts.
• Ability to evaluate learning programs and apply data-driven improvements.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
• Internet access provided by a cable or fiber provider with 40 MB download and 10 MB upload speeds.
• Home router with wired Ethernet (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted).
• A designated room for your office or steps taken to protect company information (e.g., facing computer towards wall, etc.)
• A functioning smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit on site.