Training Specialist

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a key contributor within the Education Service partnering closely with the Designated Learning Officer (DLO) to support the development, delivery, and evaluation of education and training programs across the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). The incumbent delivers in-person, virtual, and web-based training programs across all VANTHCS locations.

Responsibilities

• Develops, adapts, and updates training programs, instructional materials, and course content to reflect evolving organizational needs, policy changes, and technological advancements.
• Designs instructional methods, training guides, and educational tools that align with adult learning principles and organizational objectives.
• Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify training needs and develop relevant educational solutions.
• Identifies and integrates government and non-government training resources to enhance program offerings.
• Develops communication strategies and materials (e.g., flyers, bulletins, intranet content) to promote training opportunities across the organization.
• Manages the full lifecycle of training programs and events, including planning, coordination, facilitation, and evaluation.
• Independently delivers training using appropriate instructional techniques tailored to diverse learning needs in both individual and group settings.
• Coordinates and facilitates major educational initiatives such as New Employee Orientation, leadership development programs (e.g., LEAD), education fairs, and cultural transformation efforts.
• Oversees marketing and communication efforts for training programs through multiple channels (email, intranet, briefings, and promotional materials).
• Collaborates with clinical and non-clinical services to develop and deliver targeted training solutions.
• Serves as a liaison between VANTHCS and the Institute for Learning Education and Development (ILEAD), ensuring compliance with national performance measures related to workforce development, leadership development, and succession planning.
• Collaborates with the DLO, ILEAD, and Field Accreditation Service to align local training initiatives with national VA education standards.
• Supports and coordinates programs such as Growth and Retention of our Workforce (GROW), Employee Development Fund initiatives, and national scholarship initiatives.
• Assists with oversight and implementation of leadership development programs, including collaboration with VISN Leadership Development Institute (LDI) and local LEAD programs (e.g., candidate selection, curriculum development, program evaluation).
• Preparation, reviewing, and monitoring of training and travel budgets, ensuring appropriate allocation and use of funds across Fund Control Points (FCPs).
• Serves as a backup Fund Control Point Official and purchase cardholder, supporting procurement processes including 2237 requests and purchase orders.
• Reviews, processes, and tracks SF-182 training requests, ensuring compliance with policy, funding limits, and required documentation.
• Maintains detailed records of tuition, travel, and training expenditures, including proof of attendance and payment for reimbursement processing.
• Provides guidance to staff on tuition assistance, travel policies, and foreign travel procedures, ensuring adherence to VA regulations.
• Serves as the Education Service webmaster, maintaining accurate and current training information on the intranet and ensuring compliance with VA publishing standards.
• Coordinates training logistics including scheduling, room reservations, and teleconference support.
• Acts as a public-facing liaison during training events and educational expos, supporting outreach and engagement efforts.
• Provides administrative and operational support for ILEAD-sponsored courses and Education Service initiatives.

Qualifications

• To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/17/2026.
• For GS-09
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: maintain knowledge of simulation technology, competencies and education; assist in developing formal and informal training courses and materials; conducting a variety of training courses; collecting and analyzing data using various sources to make recommendations and prepare reports; collaborate with multilevel faculty and staff in curriculum design, scheduling and standardizing procedures to provide expert level technical support; perform post simulation activities such as debriefing paybacks and student evaluations.
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond above.