Trainer

Trainer

Work That Matters. Support That Lasts.

At VisionQuest (VQ), we serve children, youth, and families during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Our teams help young people overcome challenges, build resilience, and move toward brighter futures.

VQ is a national child, youth, and family services organization providing residential programming, community-based services, and in-home support across the United States. We partner with state and federal agencies to deliver services where the need is greatest and to strengthen the communities we serve.

Every role at VQ contributes to meaningful impact. Whether working directly with youth or supporting the professionals who serve them, your work helps create opportunity and stability for the next generation.

The Trainer is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering comprehensive training programs for VisionQuest employees at the Residential Treatment Center (RTC). The primary focus is to ensure that employees meet company standards and are in compliance with the Texas Minimum Standards for General Residential Operations (26 TAC Chapter 748) and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) contract requirements. This role assesses training needs, translates regulatory requirements into clear and engaging training, and facilitates instructor-led and blended learning such as workshops, demonstrations, and skill-practice exercises to enrich employee expertise. The Trainer also observes, evaluates, and coaches employees to confirm they are capable of performing their assigned duties safely and effectively.

Essential Functions:

• Training Development and Delivery:
• Assess training needs by reviewing evaluation data, analyzing performance trends, and observing employee strengths and development areas across the program.
• Develop training based on program needs and updates to Texas licensing standards and DFPS contract requirements.
• Design lesson plans, sequence training content, and select instructional methods and content sources that support learning objectives.
• Select and develop training presentations that are dynamic and varied to ensure participants learn and retain information.
• Utilize a variety of training methods and techniques, including workshops, demonstrations, skill-practice exercises, and blended learning, to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
• Conduct instructor-led training sessions both in-person and virtually, ensuring maximum engagement and effectiveness.
• Facilitate orientation and pre-service training for new employees and annual training for existing employees, as required by 26 TAC Chapter 748, Subchapter F.
• Facilitate Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, including physical skills practice and demonstrations, within the timeframes required for emergency behavior intervention training.
• Provide train-the-trainer sessions focused on soft skills development and supervisory competencies.
• Observe, evaluate, and coach participants during skill-based activities to support skill mastery.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through formative and summative assessments and feedback mechanisms.
• Monitor employee performance to determine if additional training or support is needed.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and innovations in training and child welfare to continuously improve training programs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure training initiatives align with company goals and objectives.
• Utilize the Learning Management System (LMS) to assign, track, and report employee training.
• Maintain accurate records of training attendance, training offered, evaluation measures, and employee progress in the appropriate personnel records.
• Compliance:
• Proficient in reading, interpreting, and applying the Texas Minimum Standards for General Residential Operations (26 TAC Chapter 748), DFPS contract requirements, and company policies and procedures.
• Interpret and translate regulatory requirements into clear, engaging training that supports employee development and compliance.
• Ensure training content, hours, and delivery methods meet the orientation, pre-service, and annual training requirements for caregivers and employees, including required curriculum components.
• Ensure training documentation is complete, accurate, and ready for licensing inspections and contract monitoring.
• Participate in certification programs, including instructor certifications as assigned, to develop subject-matter expertise in child welfare, safety, and related topics.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align training initiatives with compliance requirements.
• Build a positive culture that supports compliance with an emphasis on trauma-informed care.
• Lead by example in adhering to compliance standards and promoting a commitment to ongoing professional and organizational development.

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Familiarity with traditional and modern training tools, techniques, and delivery methods.
• Skill in identifying training needs and sourcing relevant content.
• Ability to observe, evaluate, and coach participants to improve skill acquisition.
• Creative ability.
• Strong organizational, planning, and scheduling abilities.
• Commitment to professional development and proactive research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including co-facilitation.
• Excellent writing proficiency in policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual training platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of youth, personnel, and organizational records.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social services, education, organizational leadership/management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience delivering instructor-led training (in-person, virtual, webinar, or blended learning).
• Experience using a Learning Management System (LMS) required.
• Experience designing training curricula and coordinating training events in an organizational setting is preferred.
• Experience in curriculum development related to human behavior and/or organizational leadership is a plus.
• Experience working in a residential treatment, child welfare, or other child-care setting is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.
• Ability to travel between program locations as required; occasional statewide and limited out-of-state travel may occur.
• Cleared tuberculosis (TB) screening showing the employee is free of contagious TB before having contact with youth in care.
• Must be able to pass a drug test.
• Cleared background checks as required by 26 TAC Chapter 745, Subchapter F, including a criminal history check and a DFPS Central Registry (child abuse and neglect) check.
• Complete the required pre-employment affidavits and pre-employment screening, including employment history verification and reference checks, before hire as required by 26 TAC §748.505.
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification.
• Must have a valid driver's license, be covered by automobile insurance, and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office- and classroom-based with extensive computer use and administrative responsibilities.
• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50% of the day. Must be able to stand for extended periods during training facilitation.
• May bend, stoop, squat, reach and grasp as necessary.
• Must be able to provide First Aid and CPR.
• Must be able to perform and demonstrate physical holds as instructed in Crisis Prevention Intervention training (CPI), including active participation in training demonstrations.