About the Job
The Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) and Phoenix Learning Xchange (PLX) community trainer role is a temporary or casual position within the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). Trainers will deliver high‑quality, culturally responsive, competency‑based training to county and tribal child welfare professionals, as well as those working in related fields such as mental health, chemical and behavioral health, education, and legal systems.
Community trainers and curriculum writers are selected based on their expertise in core values and best practice models aligned with the assigned training topics, which follow the Minnesota Child Welfare framework for competent practice. Trainers are expected to deliver content as outlined in the approved curriculum. Training sessions are scheduled by CASCW in collaboration with the respective programs (PACC and PLX).
This position is temporary or casual and may be renewed for up to two years. Work hours and schedules will be determined by each program according to certificate needs. Trainings are held at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, located approximately two miles north of the University’s St. Paul Campus.
Job Responsibilities
Classroom Training (75%)
- Facilitate interactive, multidisciplinary training experiences for child welfare and other social service professionals.
- Engage with learners to foster meaningful professional development and support skill‑building.
- Apply adult learning principles to encourage critical thinking, peer exchange, and practical application of knowledge.
Classroom Preparation (20%)
- Review and organize curriculum materials in advance of scheduled training sessions.
- Familiarize and assess learner prerequisites and assigned coursework.
- Set up training space, including arranging seating, configuring technology (e.g., computer and projector), and ensuring instructional materials are accessible.
- Coordinate with program staff to confirm logistics, troubleshoot equipment, and provide an optimal learning environment.
Training of Trainers / Feedback & Coaching (5%)
- Collaborate with PACC and/or PLX Coordinators in Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions to ensure consistent and effective curriculum delivery.
- Engage in structured coaching and feedback sessions to enhance facilitation skills and strengthen training impact.
- Proactively integrate coaching insights and recommendations into future training sessions to support continuous improvement and alignment with program goals.
- Reflect on performance and learner engagement strategies to maintain a high standard of instructional quality.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field.
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in social services, with at least three years of experience facilitating training or instruction.
- Proven commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments that honor diverse identities and lived experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to engage learners across a variety of styles, ensuring accessible and impactful training familiarity.
- Receptive to feedback and coaching, with a track record of integrating guidance to continuously enhance performance.
- Excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity, responsiveness, and adaptability.
- Strong collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field.
- At least three years of direct professional experience and a minimum of three years delivering training in classroom or instructional settings.
- Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating classroom‑based training using adult education principles.
- In‑depth understanding of Minnesota’s child welfare system and family services, including policies, practices, and statewide initiatives.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace (e.g., Docs, Sheets, Slides), and competence with current instructional technology (e.g., projectors, video‑conferencing platforms, learning management systems).
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $80 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.