Child Welfare Training Officer

About the role

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) is seeking qualified and passionate individuals for the role of Training & Coaching Officer. This position is responsible for delivering comprehensive Pre-Service and Specialty training to newly hired DCS staff as well as serving as an information liaison for new-hires during onboarding & throughout Pre-Service.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Pre-Service Training to new DCS employees, covering: Fundamentals of Child Welfare; Program-specific content based on assigned service areas (e.g., CPS, Foster Care, Juvenile Justice); Trauma-informed case management practices; The DCS Practice Model and Practice Wheel (Engagement, Teaming, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Tracking, and Adjusting); Self-care strategies and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
• Provide Coaching & Feedback to new hires based on field observation & identified practice gaps.
• Facilitate Mentor Certification Programs.
• Proctor Pre-Service Assessments and support evaluation processes.
• Participate in Case Panel Presentations.
• Participate in Simulation Lab activities (depending on location).
• Provide web-based technical assistance and support for virtual training delivery.
• Utilize Microsoft Teams and other digital platforms to conduct and support training sessions.
• Collaborate with training team members, program leadership & regional leadership to ensure consistency and quality in training content and delivery.
• Travel required for in-person training & coaching sessions and field observations; mileage reimbursement available.

Requirements

• One (1) year of direct child welfare field experience (e.g., case management, investigations, foster care, juvenile justice).
• One (1) year of experience in training delivery, adult education, or staff development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and other virtual training tools.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving training environment.
• Bachelor's Degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering training in a government or human services setting.
• Certification or coursework in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or adult learning principles.

Skills

• Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and virtual training platforms.
• Ability to deliver trauma‑informed training and apply motivational interviewing techniques.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement for required travel.

Schedule

• Shift: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Duration: 7+ months (Hybrid work environment with both remote and on‑site responsibilities).
• Travel required for in‑person training, coaching, and field observations.