SENIOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT TRAINER (#SM9 )

$43.93-$55.53 hourly / $7,614.00-$9,625.00 monthly / $91,374.40-$115,502.40 yearly

Under direction, incumbents plan, develop, conduct, assess and coordinate training for new and continuing social work or mental health services staff; for community agencies such as law enforcement and health agencies; and for members of the community who may be involved with the social service or mental health services programs provided by the County; and do other work as required.

The Senior Staff Development Trainer differs from the positions in the Social Worker and Mental Health Client Specialist series, in that the Senior Staff Development Trainer is not required to carry a service caseload, or to supervise a unit of Social Workers or Mental Health Client Specialists.  

The Senior Staff Development Trainer differs from the Staff Development Trainer in that the latter requires a thorough knowledge of the regulations governing eligibility determination for one of the public assistance programs, and a working knowledge of the regulations governing one additional program, and the former requires a thorough knowledge of social or mental health casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization, and a working knowledge of the laws, policies and administrative procedures of county social work or mental health programs. The Staff Development Trainer conducts in-house training, where the Senior Staff Development Trainer provides and coordinates training to community and professional groups in addition to in-house training.

Plans, develops, conducts, and assesses training for new and continuing staff to provide increased skills and knowledge of the laws, policies and administrative procedures of county social work or mental health programs, which may include: computer applications; the principles of human behavior and development; principles and methods of interviewing, counseling, assessment, caseload organization and management skills; the psychological and social aspects and characteristics of emotional disturbances and mental illness; and the use and coordination of community resources. Plans, develops, conducts, and assesses training workshops for individuals, community agencies and groups, and professional groups, to increase awareness of the services provided by the Human Services Department or Health Services Agency; of the laws and regulations under which the Department or Agency is governed; of the laws and regulations that apply to the reporting of abuse and provision of services; and of the roles that the community and professionals may play in the coordination of services provided.  

Assesses, plans, schedules and coordinates training available from outside sources or subject matter experts; conducts initial and on-going training needs assessment by consulting with management, supervisory staff, community and professional groups; selects and develops course material; develops written and performance tests as appropriate to determine the degree to which training participants are absorbing material presented; prepares lesson plans, manuals, handbooks, audio-visual aids and other training materials; gathers cost data on training materials, equipment, workshops and other training related expenses; maintains liaison with staff development/training personnel to keep abreast of trends, new requirements, and to obtain assistance in developing training courses; assists in the development of the annual training budget; develops or assists in the development of the annual training calendar; prepares reports, correspondence, and maintains records on training activities, evaluations, and recommendations; researches, reviews, and interprets applicable laws, regulations and polices; evaluates the impact of new and/or changing laws, regulations and policies on staff; may develop and coordinate specialized internship program within assigned program area of human services or mental health services, including collaborating with educational institutions; and may assist in the supervision of student interns.

• Thorough knowledge of the social and economic factors which influence family life;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of human behavior and development, and psychological defense mechanisms;
• Thorough knowledge of the community needs and resources related to human service programs;
• Thorough knowledge of interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology;
• Thorough knowledge of social casework objectives, principles, methods, and caseload management and organization;
• Working knowledge of the laws, policies and administrative procedures of county social work programs;

For Mental Health Assignment:

• Thorough knowledge of psychological and social aspects and characteristics of emotional disturbances and mental illness;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling and the accepted techniques for assessing psycho-social behavior;
• Working knowledge of human behavior and development;
• Working knowledge of appropriate and available community resources;
• Working knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations regarding health and social service programs;
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations as they pertain to clients’ legal rights.

For All Assignments:

• Working knowledge of training principles and techniques including curriculum and instructional design;
• Some knowledge of the nature of the learning process;
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and staff development;
• Some knowledge of the application of automated data processing systems to program operations.  

Abilities

• Plan, organize and conduct group and individual training activities;
• Speak effectively in front of groups;
• Supervise employees in a training/learning situation;
• Analyze, interpret, explain and apply complex regulations and directives;
• Analyze training needs, and develop effective programs to accommodate these needs;
• Prepare clear and instructive lesson plans, manuals, handbooks, and other training materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of business;
• Work independently and within a team structure.  

Selective Certification Criteria: 

Selective certification to positions may be based on a thorough knowledge of a specific social work program (e.g. Children's Services, Adult Services) or health program (e.g. Mental Health Services).  

Training and Experience 

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Human Services Assignment:
Two years of experience performing social service casework in a public agency at a level equivalent to Senior Social Worker in Santa Cruz County; six months teaching or training experience; and a Masters Degree in social work or a Masters Degree from a two year counseling program from an accredited college. 

Mental Health Services Assignment:
Two years of experience providing treatment, counseling or case management services to clients in a mental health setting; six months teaching or training experience; possession of a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Clinical Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related behavioral science field that has included completion of a university approved internship, preferably a clinical internship, in a mental health agency.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS  

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.