Training Specialist (Experiential Learning Program)

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Drexel University’s Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice seeks a Training Specialist to support trauma‑informed workforce development for Philadelphia youth affected by trauma. The role collaborates with the Center staff to deliver the Experiential Learning Program and to provide vocational counseling, case management, and co‑facilitated professional development.

The successful candidate will engage with diverse communities, coordinate training cycles, and maintain partner relationships

Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED.
• CHW and/or Certified Peer Specialist certifications with at least two years in human services or related fields.
• Experience with trauma‑informed care, HYW development, and youth support recommended.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse communities and partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication; teamwork and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Experiential Learning Program content in collaboration with Project Manager and Center staff.
• Conduct community outreach to establish and maintain organizational partnerships.
• Provide vocational counseling and case management support to participants.
• Co‑facilitate professional development classes with the Project Manager.
• Track program outcomes and ensure grant requirements are met.

Education

HS Diploma or GED

CHW and/or CPS certifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Trauma‑informed care

Job description

Job Summary

The Drexel University Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health (Center) seeks at Training Specialist to support innovative trauma-informed workforce development programming for Philadelphia youth impacted by trauma and violence.

The Center works to promote health, nonviolence and social justice through trauma-informed practice, research, professional development, and advocacy for policy change. The flagship programs of the Center are Healing Hurt People, an innovative hospital and community-based violence intervention program and the Healing Centered Learning Program, a nineteen‑week, trauma‑informed, mutual learning environment for young adults with lived experience of violence to gain credentials as CHWs and CPSs and become healers and helpers in their own communities. Healing Centered Learning helps young people grow into trauma-informed, human services professionals who share life experience with their clients, break down stigma, and walk alongside people to help them access services. The Experiential Learning Program is nine‑week internship designed to allow CHWP training academy graduates to gain hands‑on experience in medical, behavioral health, and social service organizations.

The Training Specialist will be primarily responsible for the delivery of the Experiential Learning Program content in conjunction with the Project Manager and other Center staff. The Training Specialist is further responsible to assist the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) by conducting community outreach to establish and maintain organizational partners; providing vocational counseling, and case management support to program participants; and co‑facilitating professional development classes alongside the Project Manager. The successful candidate will be sensitive to issues of race, violence and trauma, an energetic leader and self‑starter, capable of teamwork, and able to effectively multi‑task and problem solve. Most importantly, the successful candidate must consistently practice empathetic communication and unconditional positive regard towards program participants.

This position is grant‑funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Essential Functions

• Training & Facilitation
  • Coordinate the identification, interviewing, and on-boarding of young adults impacted by community violence into the CHWP Training Academy and Experiential Learning Program
  • Provide intensive vocational coaching and reflective supervision to program participants during the two nine‑week cycles per year
  • Deliver scripted training modules and co‑facilitate all training sessions alongside the Project Manager
  • Ensure training and grant requirements are met by regularly working with the Project Manager, Director and other Center staff
  • Utilize workforce development software to manage participant files and track programmatic outcomes for evaluation.
• Community Engagement
  • Recruit and network with community partners to identify potential participants for CHWP Training Academy and Experiential Learning Program
  • Cultivate long‑term relationships with agencies/organizations that support program graduates and other Center initiatives
  • Regularly attend relevant CHW/CPS conferences, webinars, and networking events to ensure Center programming is current, relevant, and evidence‑based o Track metrics for improvement of community outreach and engagement activities
• Individual Coaching and Support
  • Assess training and internship participants' needs, strengths, and barriers; Create individual vocational action plans for each participant
  • Develop and provide specialized training(s) for each participant relating to the seeking and retention of employment.
  • Guide and coach participants through all stages of the job search, including resume and cover letter development, job application strategies, and interview preparation
  • Track and provide information about relevant job listings, job fairs; Develop strong relationships with a network of employers who are willing to hire program graduates
  • Monitor participants' progress: regularly contact participants to review their plans and progress; update individual files and program database as required
  • Assist participants in navigating and accessing other community and government agency services to address varied needs that may interfere with employment and training.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED
• Minimum of Community Health Worker and/or Certified Peer Specialist certifications, with at least two years' experience in human services, workforce development or classroom teaching/training
• One of the following combinations of education and experience
• Experience with unconditional positive regard, trauma‑informed care, positive youth development, and/or harm reduction frameworks
• Sensitivity to issues of race, violence, and trauma
• Ability to navigate diverse neighborhoods, systems, and organizations
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and coordination skills
• Enthusiastic, nurturing, and adaptable approach to supporting young adults
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to multi‑task and be flexible to changes
• Strong organizational, planning and classroom management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic computer skills such as internet searching and completing online forms

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, or a related field
• Experience working with individuals who have experienced significant barriers to employment, including history of violence, trauma, homelessness, incarceration, substance use, and mental health challenges
• Classroom teaching experience
• Experience working with adult learners and/or opportunity youth
• Experience planning/facilitating lessons
• Prior experience in developing training materials, conducting training programs/activities, and/or project management is preferred

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping
• Lifting demands 25lbs

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $45,330 $68,000 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.