Training Program Coordinator #W2308

Socket.dev; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is seeking a Training Program Coordinator to lead and coordinate training and professional development for Human Services staff at local departments and community partners. The role emphasizes MI curriculum delivery, coaching, and ongoing learning.

This professional position requires strong instructional design, public speaking, and collaboration with state and local teams, with travel throughout Virginia as needed.

Qualifications

• Direct experience using Motivational Interviewing as a primary intervention framework.
• Deep understanding of MI principles and the four processes.
• Extensive experience designing and facilitating professional training for adults.

Responsibilities

• Lead, design, deliver, and evaluate instructor-led training.
• Provide developmental coaching to staff and supervisors.
• Assess training effectiveness and recommend curriculum improvements.

Skills

Motivational Interviewing

Training design

Coaching

Public speaking

Adult learning

Travel readiness

Oral and written communication

MS Office

LMS & e-learning tools

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

WebEx/Zoom/MS Teams

Learning Management System (LMS)

SharePoint

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 billion 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.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint‑based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E‑Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Frequent in‑state, overnight travel may be required. Selected candidate(s) may be required to use their personal vehicle or state vehicle as available for business use.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on‑line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

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

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

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.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.