Training & Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $40K

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

The Training and Development Specialist is responsible for planning, designing, and

facilitating job readiness and workforce development training. Develop programs to

improve individual job skills. Analyze training needs and evaluate training effectiveness.

Reports to the Director of Employment Training.

ABOUT GROWING HOME

Growing Home is a non-profit urban farm and social enterprise in the Englewood

neighborhood of Chicago. We serve our communities through local, healthy food

access and robust workforce development that has pathways to sustainable careers.

Our 12-week person-centered paid employment training program includes real work

experience with transferable skills, a robust classroom curriculum, and holistic case

management and support - all in-house. Our training program operates four cohorts

over a calendar year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate classroom training. Present information with a variety of instructional

techniques or formats, such and group discussions, videos, team exercises, hands-on

examples, lectures, and other formats.

Offer specific training programs to help participants improve and obtain job skills.

Evaluate training materials such as self-guided instructional manual, online applications,

outlines, text, and handouts.

Develop training materials. Obtain, organize or develop training procedure manuals,

guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.

Monitor and evaluate training activities for program effectiveness. Evaluate modes of

training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness.

Assess training needs and outcomes through surveys, focus groups, or consultation with

the manager and other trainers.

Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and

processing paperwork, scheduling classes, setting up systems and equipment, and

coordinating enrollment.

Inspect equipment and materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or

defects.

Select and schedule outside instructors to conduct training. Schedule classes based on

the availability of classrooms and instructors.

Identify the developmental needs of participants, coaching, mentoring, and help to

improve their knowledge and skills.

Collaborate with other community partner organizations and businesses i.e., CARA

Connect, Amazon, Accenture, colleges, universities, etc.

Assist with referring trainees to employment and or training locations offering job

placement assistance and / or training programs, Assist with job search and placement.

Keep up with developments in your area of expertise. Attend meetings or seminars to

obtain information for use in training programs.

Assist with various special projects and other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Commitment to Growing Home’s mission and core values

Experience in classroom facilitation, skills training, and / or curriculum

development

Familiarity with workforce preparation strategies, job search placement services, career,

and vocational education, adult learning principles, and multiple population groups.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organizational and

time management skills, ability to lead projects, and problem-solve

Experience working directly with marginalized populations

Strong computer skills, including using Microsoft Office (excel) and Google Docs

Ability to work some evenings and weekends

Some travel for meetings will be required. Must have an aptitude and willingness to

navigate public transportation throughout the greater Chicago-area, or a valid driver’s

license

The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Must be able to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Adult and Continuing Education, or a related field

preferred. 2-4 years exp.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Growing Home is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal

opportunity employer. Growing Home does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national

origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran

status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all

backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please email us at

[email protected].