Training Specialist

Aspire Living & Learning; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA/FSA options

Retirement plan with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Aspire Living & Learning is seeking a Training Specialist to partner with program leaders and departments to assess training needs, develop practical learning solutions, and reinforce best practices in real-world settings. The role emphasizes strong facilitation, independent decision-making, and adult-learner support across diverse roles.

Responsibilities include delivering multi-format training, supporting onboarding, adapting methods for clinical and administrative staff, and coaching

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in training, education, human services, or related field.
• 2–3 years in human services, employee training, education, QA, or related area.
• Experience in residential, day, school, clinical, community-based, or administrative service environments preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and successful background check required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training in-person, virtual, onsite, and small-group formats.
• Support onboarding programs and new-hire training initiatives.
• Adapt facilitation methods for frontline, clinical, educational, and administrative staff.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and competency support to employees and managers.
• Participate in organization-wide learning initiatives and micro-trainings.
• Train to be a CT Investigator when needed.
• Assist supervisors with observations and follow-up training.

Skills

Facilitation skills

Training delivery

Coaching & feedback

Adult learning

Relationship building

Data-driven training

Tech proficiency

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Relias

Therap

UKG

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Training Specialist partners with program leaders, schools, administrative teams, Quality Assurance, People & Culture, Clinical Services, Operations, and other departments to assess training needs, develop effective learning solutions, and reinforce best practices in real-world work environments.

This field-based role translates policies, systems, regulations, and quality standards into clear, practical training. The position requires strong facilitation skills, sound judgment, independent decision-making, and the ability to support adult learners with diverse roles and experience levels.

Schedule & Pay

• Schedule: M - F 8:30am - 4:30pm
• Pay Rate: $45k - $55k
• Location: Must be located within commuting distance of Hamden, CT

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver training in multiple formats, including in-person, virtual, onsite, and small-group sessions.
• Support onboarding programs such as All On Board and other new-hire training initiatives.
• Adapt facilitation methods to meet the needs of frontline, clinical, educational, and administrative employees.
• Provide coaching, observational feedback, and skill-building support to employees and managers.
• Participate in agency-wide learning initiatives, including micro-trainings during community meetings.
• This position will need to train to be a CT Investigator.
• Support supervisors with practice observations, feedback, and competency assessment.
• Share relevant observations with leadership and Quality Assurance partners to support follow-up and continuous improvement.

Training Needs Assessment and Quality Partnership

• Participate in cross-functional meetings and workgroups to identify emerging training needs.
• Design and implement practical solutions, including training sessions, job aids, coaching, and refresher resources.
• Interpret regulatory changes, system updates, and quality concerns to determine appropriate training responses.
• Evaluate and elevate issues that require solutions beyond training.
• Recommend performance improvement strategies that support operational and quality objectives.
• Deliver training aligned with Aspire policies, regulatory requirements, evidence-based practices, and quality standards.
• Create original learning materials, including:
  • Facilitator guides
  • Job aids
  • Checklists
  • Quick-reference guides
  • Videos
  • Frequently asked questions
• Analyze feedback, trends, and operational changes to improve training content and delivery methods.
• Deliver training on systems such as Therap, Relias, UKG, Microsoft 365 , and other assigned platforms.
• Serve in system administration roles, such as Super Admin, when assigned.
• Provide follow-up assistance, refresher training, and implementation support for system updates.
• Organize and facilitate the All On Board onboarding program.
• Support new hires throughout the onboarding process.
• Partner with Human Resources and organizational leaders to support manager development in areas such as:
  • Supervision
  • Documentation
  • Scheduling
  • Basic financial processes
  • Compliance expectations
  • Employee performance support

Training Compliance and Documentation

• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Clinical Services, Children’s Services, People & Culture, Finance, Compliance, and other departments.
• Participate in meetings, workgroups, and organizational improvement initiatives.

The Training Specialist exercises discretion and independent judgment when:

• Interpreting policies, regulations, and quality standards.
• Determining when an issue requires a solution beyond training.
• Managing field visits, scheduling, and day-to-day training activities under general direction from the Regional Training Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in training, education, human services, organizational development, business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Two to three years of experience in human services, employee training, education, quality assurance, organizational development, or a related field.
• Experience working in or supporting residential, day, school, clinical, community-based, or administrative service environments preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a background check required.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong in-person and virtual facilitation and presentation skills.
• Strong relationship-building, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to use data, observations, and feedback to identify trends and training needs.
• Comfort using technology and learning new software systems quickly.
• Ability to work independently while aligning with team and organizational priorities.
• Commitment to person-centered services, inclusion, quality, continuous improvement, and Aspire’s mission.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel to Aspire locations throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
• Frequent use of computers, video conferencing platforms, office equipment, and other technology.
• Physical activity may include standing, presenting, walking through work environments, and lifting materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations are available as needed.

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.