PACC/PLX Community Trainer - 2026

About the role

The Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) and Phoenix Learning Xchange (PLX) community trainer role is a temporary or casual position within the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). Trainers will deliver high-quality, culturally responsive, competency-based training to county and tribal child welfare professionals, as well as those working in related fields such as mental health, chemical and behavioral health, education, and legal systems. Community trainers and curriculum writers are selected based on their expertise in core values and best practice models aligned with the assigned training topics, which follow the Minnesota Child Welfare framework for competent practice. Trainers are expected to deliver content as outlined in the approved curriculum. Training sessions are scheduled by CASCW in collaboration with the respective programs (PACC and PLX).

Job Responsibilities

• Classroom Training (75%): Facilitate interactive, multidisciplinary training experiences for child welfare and other social service professionals. Engage with learners to foster meaningful professional development and support skill-building. Apply adult learning principles to encourage critical thinking, peer exchange, and practical application of knowledge.
• Classroom Preparation (20%): Review and organize curriculum materials in advance of scheduled training sessions. Familiarize and assess learner prerequisites and assigned coursework. Set up training space, including arranging seating, configuring technology (e.g., computer and projector), and ensuring instructional materials are accessible. Coordinate with program staff to confirm logistics, troubleshoot equipment, and provide an optimal learning environment.
• Training of Trainers/Feedback & Coaching (5%): Collaborate with PACC and/or PLX Coordinators in Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions to ensure consistent and effective curriculum delivery. Engage in structured coaching and feedback sessions to enhance facilitation skills and strengthen training impact. Proactively integrate coaching insights and recommendations into future training sessions to support continuous improvement and alignment with program goals. Reflect on performance and learner engagement strategies to maintain a high standard of instructional quality.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in social services, with at least three years of experience facilitating training or instruction.
• Proven commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments that honor diverse identities and lived experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to engage learners across a variety of styles, ensuring accessible and impactful training.
• Familiarity with feedback and coaching, with a track record of integrating guidance to continuously enhance performance.
• Excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity, responsiveness, and adaptability.
• Strong collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
• PREFERRED:
• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field.
• At least three years of direct professional experience and a minimum of three years delivering training in classroom or instructional settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating classroom-based training using adult education principles.
• In-depth understanding of Minnesota’s child welfare system and family services, including policies, practices, and statewide initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace (e.g. Docs, Sheets, Slides), and competence with current instructional technology (e.g., projectors, video conferencing platforms, learning management systems).

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80 per hour ; depending on education/qualifications/experience. Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.