Training Program Coordinator #W2308

DHRM; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Training Program Coordinator to lead and coordinate MI-focused training for local social services staff and partners. The role emphasizes coaching, curriculum development, and evidence-based instructional delivery.

The incumbent designs and evaluates training programs, stays current with VDSS policy, and travels statewide to deliver MI-based training, ensuring practical applicability in frontline interactions.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in a social services, clinical, or academic setting utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a primary intervention framework.
• Deep, nuanced understanding of MI principles, the four processes (Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, Planning), and the "MI Spirit" (Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, Evocation).
• Extensive experience designing and facilitating professional, interactive training programs tailored to adult learners.
• Mastery of developmental and supportive coaching methodologies (e.g. reflective coaching practices).
• Strong familiarity with the systemic challenges and compliance pressures faced by social services frontline staff.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories, training methodologies, and curriculum mapping.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate training and professional development initiatives for VDSS staff and partners.
• Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate instructor-led training with focus on MI.
• Provide coaching to ensure MI concepts translate into daily practice.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and suggest content improvements.
• Maintain relationships with VDSS management and training staff.

Skills

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Public speaking

Adult learning theories

Coaching / reflective coaching

Curriculum design / development

MS Office & LMS

Virtual delivery platforms

Travel for training

Team collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerPoint

SharePoint

WebEx / Zoom / MS Teams

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

Title: Training Program Coordinator #W2308

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor III

Hiring Range: $92,500 - $97,500/yr.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: www.dss.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2,000,000,000 agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre‑tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax‑deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Local Training and Development is currently seeking a Training Program Coordinator. This is a professional level position responsible for leading, and/or coordinating training and professional development initiatives for Human Services Staff (Family Services, Benefit Programs, and Child Care Subsidy) employed at Virginia's Local Departments of Social Services as well as community partners. This position will design, develop, deliver, evaluate instructor‑led training in the most efficient and effective manner, maintain a positive learning environment, and stay abreast of Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) related policy and guidance, issues and innovations in local agency practices and trends, and new training industry practices focusing on comprehensive Motivational Interviewing (MI) curriculum. Beyond traditional classroom delivery, this area of emphasis is deeply rooted in applied practice and ongoing supportive coaching.

The Training Program Coordinator serves as a developmental coach, providing direct, reflective coaching sessions to staff and supervisors to ensure MI concepts translate successfully into daily front‑line social service interactions. The duties and responsibilities also include evaluating the effectiveness of training through designated assessment strategies and recommending, as needed, to the curriculum developer changes and improvements in training content, providing the highest quality of training and assistance to class participants, while maintaining excellent working relationships with VDSS management, staff, and Regional Training Office staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Direct experience in a social services, clinical, or academic setting utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a primary intervention framework.
• Deep, nuanced understanding of MI principles, the four processes (Engaging, Focusing, Evoking, Planning), and the "MI Spirit" (Partnership, Acceptance, Compassion, Evocation).
• Extensive experience designing and facilitating professional, interactive training programs tailored to adult learners.
• Mastery of developmental and supportive coaching methodologies (e.g. reflective coaching practices) distinct from traditional teaching or administrative supervision.
• Strong familiarity with the systemic challenges, mandates, compliance pressures, and crisis dynamics experienced by social services front‑line staff.
• Considerable knowledge of adult learning theories, training methodologies, group facilitation best practices, instructional aids, and curriculum mapping to transition learners from introductory concepts to advanced application.
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and group dynamic management skills, with the ability to handle resistance or disengagement in the classroom.
• Demonstration of high‑level proficiency in modeling MI skills during training simulations and role‑plays.
• Skill in delivering candid, strengths‑based behavioral feedback, evaluating practice to pinpoint growth areas, and analyzing training results using designated assessment strategies.
• Ability to connect genuinely with front‑line workers, validate the high‑stress nature of their roles, recognize, support, and motivate individuals requiring extra assistance to encourage professional growth.
• Ability to pivot training delivery based on the immediate energy, skill level, or structural needs of the cohort.
• Ability to objectively evaluate a worker's practice sample and accurately pinpoint strengths and growth areas.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and mandates relevant to social services.
• Technical Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, PowerPoint), virtual delivery platforms (WebEx, Zoom, MS Teams), and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners, including university partners, to achieve agency goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, meet deadlines, travel throughout Virginia to deliver training, and interact professionally with all levels of VDSS, state, and local entities.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, with the ability to meet statewide travel requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Considerable experience in professional stand‑up training or instruction and virtual instruction, in a Human Service, Social Service, or public sector setting.
• MINT Certification.

Contact Information

VDSS - Division of Human Resources

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Sponsorship

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

Veterans & Others

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.