Training Specialist

Training Specialist

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:

• Facilitator guides

• Job aids

• Checklists

• Quick-reference guides

• Videos

• 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:

• Supervision

• Documentation

• Scheduling

• Basic financial processes

• Compliance expectations

• 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, a