Workforce Development Specialist

Overview

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on July 9, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is $6,008.00 - $6,670.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

A cover letter and resume are required with your application.

Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. With seven programs, three divisions and over 100 staff, the Academy's mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities.


As a member of the Academy team you will be engaging in communal development of heart, mind, and practice. You are expected to foster culturally responsive practice behaviors to promote well-being and a culture that focuses on healing, healthy relationships and changed behaviors.

Under the Workforce Development Programs Division, the Workforce Innovations Program is responsible for the general oversight of the integration of workforce development and instructional design innovations into the services provided by the Academy's Child Welfare Development Services (CWDS) program, instructional design project management, and curriculum writing projects funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). This program works in close partnership with SDSU's Instructional Technology Services (ITS), the Academy's Learning Experience Design (LXD) Manager, CWDS Program Director, CalAcademies, California Workforce Innovation and Support in Education (CalWISE), and other state partners. The Workforce Innovations team has a total of 7 employees.

Responsibilities

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the general direction of the Workforce Development Supervisor, the Workforce Development Specialist (CWDS Curriculum) is responsible for developing curricula that meet the needs of Child Welfare Services partners. The Workforce Development Specialist (CWDS Curriculum) works closely with CWDS staff and county and state partners to engage in needs assessments to ensure curricula development meets partner needs. The role also includes responsibilities for the facilitation of workforce development deliveries and meetings. As a new position in the organization, the position may evolve to further support the needs of CWDS, the Academy, and the needs of Child Welfare Services partners.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

This is a 40-hour a week hybrid position with remote flexibility, typically working M-F from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. and is based on contract funding subject to annual renewal. The position may be subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside of normal business hours, including weekends and evenings if needed.

This position requires that you reside within California throughout the duration of your employment and live within a commutable distance from the worksite your work supports. Positions are typically assigned to either our Riverside or San Diego office for any on-site work but may also include travel to various Southern region counties to attend and observe pilot trainings and/or complete other curriculum development-related assignments requiring travel.

Note: some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.

The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.

The Academy is currently going through a reclassification process. If this position's classification changes during this process, it would not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.


PROJECT MANAGEMENT (40%)

Specific Duties

• Project manage the development, revision, and piloting of CWDS curriculum (this may include curricula for classroom-based or virtual training, coaching, webinars, podcasts, micro-learning, and/or eLearning) to ensure compliance with the contract/scope of work.
• Participate in and represent the Academy for Professional Excellence in statewide and internal committee(s) as appropriate to facilitate and inform curriculum development and revision projects.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with CWDS Staff, Academy staff, partners, and curriculum writers through email and virtual communication to address needs, concerns, and questions.
• Communicate with the Academy, CWDS, and statewide evaluation teams to remain apprised of macro evaluation methodology and ensure we are developing quality curricula (per Academy standards).
• Develop and maintain project management templates, dashboards, reporting tools, workflows, and documentation within the Academy project management system.
• Stay informed on project management best practices and apply new tools, systems, and approaches to improve efficiency, communication, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with LMS, Product, and cross-functional teams to improve systems, workflows, and project management processes.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound decision-making, adaptability, and accountability while managing multiple priorities and adjusting plans as needed.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (40%)

Specific Duties

• Develop, design, write, update, revise, and adapt existing curricula (standardized and non-standardized) to fit the skill and knowledge of the learners, including but not limited to facilitation guides and PowerPoint presentations.
• Apply best practices in adult learning, instructional design, accessibility, culturally-responsiveness, and workforce development throughout curriculum development.
• Stay abreast of state and federal best practices in public child welfare, adult learning theory, workforce development, and implementation.
• Participate in curriculum evaluation design and implementation through collaboration with Evaluation team partners.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and integrate learning into project management and curriculum writing processes.
• Review and provide feedback on curriculum and training delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships, especially with CWDS Consultant team, curriculum writers, subject matter experts, and service providers and employ conflict resolution tactics when necessary.
• Provide guidance and feedback to curriculum writers using best practices in instructional design and adult learning.
• Lead and facilitate meetings with both internal and external partners.
• Listen to feedback, identify training needs, and adjust curriculum plans to support successful outcomes.
• Guide curriculum revisions to keep content current, relevant, and aligned with strong learning outcomes for adult learners.
• Attend, observe, and evaluate pilot trainings as needed.

PROGRAM SUPPORT (10%)

Specific Duties

• Develop policies, procedures, and guidance documents for curriculum development and project management processes, and conduct or facilitate training as needed to support implementation and consistency.
• Work collaboratively with CWDS teams to advance organizational goals. Attend regularly scheduled meetings across teams. (Ex. LXD, LMS, Fiscal, Evaluation).
• Support program and Academy-wide communication, culture, and functioning.
• Follow policy and procedure and complete travel and other reimbursements promptly and accurately.
• Project manage, assist, or participate in special projects and committees as needed, when appropriate, and as designated/specified by the Workforce Development Programs leadership team.
• Demonstrate strong facilitation skills when running meetings and committees and managing projects.
• Attend statewide committee meetings as assigned (travel may be required) and represent Southern CA counties and Academy perspectives in reviewing statewide requirements for curriculum development.
• Maintain a general understanding of Southern CA County's specific Agency needs through a review of Agency SIPs (System Improvement Plans) and individual County initiatives, policies, and procedures as needed.

FACILITATION (5%)

• Pilot and support the implementation of curricula for the Southern region of CA.
• Prepare and deliver virtual and in-person classes and training as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned which are in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
• Travel to off-site locations for Academy and Program meetings (primarily in Riverside and San Diego).

QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL SKILLS

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to display organization and meet deadlines.
• Ability to display good judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Fundamental written and oral communication skills, including a sound foundation in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and recovery-oriented principles.
• Ability to work in a team setting & relate well to others within the Academy for Professional Excellence environment.
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
• Ability to effectively handle interpersonal interactions at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers, partners, and professionals.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning theories and instructional design practices, including experiential and learner-centered approaches and current workforce development trends.
• Ability to provide consultation on curriculum goals, learning objectives, learner engagement, and assessment strategies for adult learners.
• Skilled at identifying needs, recommending effective solutions, and supporting successful implementation across learning environments.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop curricula in a variety of modalities.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to carry out assignments without detailed instructions.
• Ability to travel within California - primarily southern California regions - and to national conferences when applicable.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• 6-years of progressively responsible experience performing varied or specialized administrative and analytical duties and/or service as a program administrator.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience with planning, coordinating, and developing workforce development curricula and tools.
• Experience working in a child welfare services program, health services, human services, and/or social services for a public agency (for example: state or county health and/or human services agency).
• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning & Development, Special Education, or a related field with an emphasis in curriculum development, adult learning, instructional design, and/or diverse learning needs.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.