Training Specialist II (0180)

State of Mississippi; Mississippi; On-site; USD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Mississippi seeks a Training Specialist II to deliver coaching and professional development for early childhood educators and leaders. This field-based role emphasizes high-quality training and child-centered practice across districts.

Expect strong communication, organization, and collaboration, with travel across regions and occasional evening/weekend trainings. A passion for equity, inclusion, and quality improvement is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; 2–4 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree or CLASS certification with coaching experience preferred.
• Experience in early childhood programs and coaching/training roles strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and equity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized coaching and high-quality training for educators and program staff.
• Provide meaningful professional development for early educators, leaders, and families.
• Use CLASS as a tool for observation and coaching to improve teacher–child interactions.
• Travel within assigned regions with occasional evening and weekend trainings/events.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Training Specialist II (0180) in 59 - PRENTISS COUNTY, MS

State of Mississippi

$47,425.15 - $52,167.67 Annually

Location

59 - PRENTISS COUNTY, MS

Full-Time

Job Number

9328-0664-20260903Ps

0664 - DHS-CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Opening Date

09/03/2026

9/10/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary

$47,425.15

$52,167.67

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Early Childhood Care & Development and will be located in PRENTISS. If you have any questions, you may contact us at [e-mail].

This is a time limited position. This individual will work on Elevate: A Quality Support System team within the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. The role focuses on delivering individualized coaching, high-quality training, and meaningful professional development for early educators, program leaders, and families across the state. Grounded in best practices and positive teacher–child interactions, with CLASS as a key tool for observation and coaching, the Training Specialist/Coach supports the improvement of teacher–child interactions, promotes positive and engaging learning environments, and helps early learning programs meet DECCD and Elevate quality standards. This position is primarily field-based, requiring travel within assigned regions, and includes occasional evening and weekend work for trainings and events.

What you'll need to be Successful

Success in this role requires the ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with educators, leaders, and families while maintaining a reflective, data-informed coaching approach. The Training Specialist/Coach must be highly organized, adaptable, and skilled at managing multiple priorities in a field-based setting. Strong verbal and written communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to facilitate engaging and effective professional learning experiences are essential. A passion for continuous quality improvement, a collaborative team spirit, and a commitment to equity and inclusion will set top performers apart.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience.Agency Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Child Development, or a closely related field or have a CLASS certification in Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K levels with experience in both scoring and coaching. In addition, at least two years of experience in early childhood programs, combined with one or more years in coaching, mentoring, or training roles, is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate advanced knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and quality indicators, as well as experience in trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice, and adult learning theory.

Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201