Training Specialist

Job Summary
Aspire is seeking a Training Specialist to deliver practical, engaging, and role-specific training that helps employees succeed across our human services, educational, clinical, administrative, and community-based programs.
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
•   Role: Salaried & Exempt
•   Location: Must be located within commuting distance of Hamden, CT - Hybrid 3 times a week minimum

Key Responsibilities
Training Delivery and Facilitation
•   Facilitate required, role-specific, and assigned training programs across Aspire service lines.
•   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.

Field-Based Training and Practice Support
•   Maintain a regular presence in Aspire programs, schools, offices, and team environments.
•   Deliver training and coaching in real-world settings to reinforce skill application.
•   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
•   Identify, analyze, and prioritize training needs using observation, employee feedback, quality reviews, 
•   and operational data.
•   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 escalate issues that require solutions beyond training.
•   Recommend performance improvement strategies that support operational and quality objectives.

Curriculum and Content Development
•   Deliver training aligned with Aspire policies, regulatory requirements, evidence-based practices, and quality standards.
•   Create original learning materials, including:
o   Facilitator guides
o   Job aids
o   Checklists
o   Quick-reference guides
o   Videos
o   Frequently asked questions
•   Apply adult learning principles to promote engagement, knowledge retention, and on-the-job performance.
•   Analyze feedback, trends, and operational changes to improve training content and delivery methods.
•   Share effective training practices and resources across programs, schools, and departments.

Technology and Systems Training
•   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.
•   Support employees and managers in accessing and using training resources.
•   Provide follow-up assistance, refresher training, and implementation support for system updates.

New-Hire Onboarding and Manager Development
•   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:
o   Supervision
o   Documentation
o   Scheduling
o   Basic financial processes
o   Compliance expectations
o   Employee performance support

Training Compliance and Documentation
•   Track and maintain accurate employee training records.
•   Use systems such as Therap and Relias to document training completion and compliance.
•   Support accurate reporting and follow-up related to required training.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
•   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.
•   Perform additional duties as assigned to support Aspire’s operational and service goals.

Decision-Making and Scope of Responsibility
The Training Specialist exercises discretion and independent judgment when:
•   Selecting instructional methods and adapting content for different audiences.
•   Prioritizing training activities based on organizational needs.
•   Interpreting policies, regulations, and quality standards.
•   Developing training and performance improvement recommendations.
•   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 facilitating training for adult learners required.
•   Experience working in or supporting residential, day, school, clinical, community-based, or administrative service environments preferred.
•   Experience creating training materials and using learning management, documentation, or 
•   compliance systems 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.
•   Ability to translate complex policies, systems, and regulations into clear, practical instruction.
•   Knowledge of adult learning principles and effective instructional design.
•   Strong relationship-building, coaching, and collaboration skills.
•   Excellent written communication and content development abilities.
•   Ability to use data, observations, and feedback to identify trends and training needs.
•   Strong organization, prioritization, time management, and attention to detail.
•   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!

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

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.

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