Title: Trainer, Benefit Programs (Mobile/Remote) P0165

State Role Title: Trainer & Instructor III

Hiring Range: Up to $40.00/hour (commensurate with experience)

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

This is an hourly/wage position and does not include the Commonwealth of Virginia’s state benefits package. This position is limited to no more than 1500 hours in a 12-month period and averages no more than 29 hours a week.

This position is Mobile/Remote. Approximately 80% of work is conducted remotely and approximately 20% is conducted at VDSS regional offices throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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.

About The Position:

Reporting to the Training Delivery Supervisor, this is a professional level position within the Division of Local Training and Development (LTD) responsible for delivering training to Human Services Staff (Benefit Programs) employed at Virginia's Local Departments of Social Services as well as community partners. This position will deliver 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. This position evaluates the effectiveness of training through designated assessment strategies and recommends, as needed, to the curriculum developer changes and improvements in training content. The position will provide the highest quality of training and assistance to class participants, while maintaining excellent working relationships with VDSS management, staff, and Regional Training Office staff; and will provide direct support to Human Services Staff employed at the Virginia's Local Departments of Social Services as well as community partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable demonstrated experience and skill in interpreting and applying policy, regulations, and guidelines in the area of: Benefit Program Services including considerable knowledge of VaCMS and at least one of the following areas: TANF, VIEW, SNAP, Child Care Subsidy or Medical Assistance programs (Families & Children Medicaid, ABD, LTSS, AG).
• Experience in professional training or instruction.
• Considerable knowledge of adult training methodologies and adult learning theory, best practices for group facilitation, and using instructional aids for adult learners.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and mandates relevant to social services.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Suite products including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Sharepoint, and PowerPoint; video conferencing platforms such as WebEx, GoToWebinar, Zoom, and MS Teams, and in utilizing a Learning Management System.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, deliver, and evaluate engaging training programs.
• Ability to recognize and motivate individuals in the training environment that require additional assistance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partners to accomplish the goals of the training unit.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, meet deadlines, travel throughout Virginia to deliver training, participate in meetings to address statewide training needs, and interact with all levels of the VDSS and other State and Local entities.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Additional Considerations

• Considerable experience in professional stand-up training or instruction and virtual instruction, in a Human Service, Social Service, or public sector setting.
• Experience in developing or revising training curriculum.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

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.

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.

This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy. All telework and remote positions are subject to change and may be required to report to an office as needed.

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.

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.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS – Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

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.