Program and Training Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

FIRST (Families in Recovery SupporT) Steps Together is a peer-led program focused on empowering parents as they work towards recovery from substance use. With six sites across Massachusetts, our teams offer home-based, community, and virtual services tailored to expectant families and families with young children.

The Training and Technical Assistant Team (T/TA Team), at Jewish Family & Children Service (JF&CS), supports the FIRST Steps Together staff across the state. We assist with project implementation through training, targeted technical assistance, project management and the facilitation of learning communities. Our resources can be used by home visitors, mental health counselors/clinicians, peer staff and others in the field who want to use person-centered, strengths-based approaches to support parents on their recovery journeys.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Program and Training Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate brings insights into peer support, home visiting, parenting and recovery. You will provide support to FIRST Steps Together direct service sites and help develop and deliver in-person and virtual trainings. The Program and Training Specialist will walk alongside direct service staff through the process of onboarding, facilitating collaborative learning communities, and providing training and support.

In this role you will:

• Provide strengths-based, trauma-informed support and training to project staff in alignment with FIRST Steps Together’s core values, offering reflective and responsive guidance via phone, email, virtual platforms, and in-person visits.
• Collaborate with team members to plan, design and deliver meaningful in person and virtual trainings
• Provide support to FIRST Steps Together sites in delivering home visiting services, advocacy for families and collaboration with collaterals such as Department of Children and Families and other community providers, support sites in goal setting and progress tracking.
• Participates in projects that support the FIRST Steps Together system
• Help facilitate group learning and peer support communities both virtually and in person
• Develop tools and written resources (like tip sheets and training modules)
• Other duties as assigned

You might be a great fit if you have:

• Direct service experience, lived experience or content knowledge in one of the following areas: home visiting, peer recovery support, maternal mental health, early childhood, parent support and/or substance use disorders.
• Ease and confidence with facilitating online groups, meetings and trainings.
• A strong desire to support staff by creating safe spaces for collaboration, sharing resources and encouragement.

• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Power Point) and willingness to learn and use technology for documentation and communication.
• Access to a car and a valid driver's license and willingness to travel within Massachusetts.

Bonus if you have:

• Lived experience as a parent in recovery from substance use with a minimum of 5 years in recovery
• Experience developing and delivering high-quality training and materials that incorporate adult learning frameworks and the needs of diverse learners, in both in-person and virtual training formats

THE ROLE COMES WITH THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

• A collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven team
• Hybrid work schedule - 2 days required working in Waltham Office
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off includes ample sick time and 22 days of vacation, in addition to national and some Jewish holidays.
• Immediate eligibility for medical insurance, dental, vision, retirement plan; no waiting period

ABOUT JF&CS

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family & Children's Service has been helping individuals and families build a strong foundation for resilience and well-being. We intentionally serve and employ people of ALL faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.

We have a strong culture of professional development, work-life balance, and promotion from within.

JF&CS is an equal opportunity employer who serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions. Employment opportunities are available to all without regard for race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.