Training & Development Specialist

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 Homes 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 drivers
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

Bachelors 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

Required Experience:

Manager