Training Specialist
Aspire Living & Learning · Hamden, Connecticut, United States
Job Summary
Aspire is seeking a Training Specialist to deliver practical, engaging, and role-specific training that helps employees succeed across our human services, educational, clinical, administrative, and community-based programs.
The Training Specialist partners with program leaders, schools, administrative teams, Quality Assurance,
People & Culture, Clinical Services, Operations, and other departments to assess training needs, develop effective learning solutions, and reinforce best practices in real-world work environments.
This field-based role translates policies, systems, regulations, and quality standards into clear, practical training. The position requires strong facilitation skills, sound judgment, independent decision-making, and the ability to support adult learners with diverse roles and experience levels.
Schedule & Pay
• Schedule: M - F 8:30am - 4:30pm
• Pay Rate: $45k - $55k
• Role: Salaried & Exempt
• Location: Must be located within commuting distance of Hamden, CT - Hybrid 3 times a week minimum
Key Responsibilities
Training Delivery and Facilitation
• Facilitate required, role-specific, and assigned training programs across Aspire service lines.
• Deliver training in multiple formats, including in-person, virtual, onsite, and small-group sessions.
• Support onboarding programs such as All On Board and other new-hire training initiatives.
• Adapt facilitation methods to meet the needs of frontline, clinical, educational, and administrative employees.
• Provide coaching, observational feedback, and skill-building support to employees and managers.
• Participate in agency-wide learning initiatives, including micro-trainings during community meetings.
• This position will need to train to be a CT Investigator.
Field-Based Training and Practice Support
• Maintain a regular presence in Aspire programs, schools, offices, and team environments.
• Deliver training and coaching in real-world settings to reinforce skill application.
• Support supervisors with practice observations, feedback, and competency assessment.
• Share relevant observations with leadership and Quality Assurance partners to support follow-up and continuous improvement.
• Training Needs Assessment and Quality Partnership
• Identify, analyze, and prioritize training needs using observation, employee feedback, quality reviews,
• and operational data.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and workgroups to identify emerging training needs.
• Design and implement practical solutions, including training sessions, job aids, coaching, and refresher resources.
• Interpret regulatory changes, system updates, and quality concerns to determine appropriate training responses.
• Evaluate and escalate issues that require solutions beyond training.
• Recommend performance improvement strategies that support operational and quality objectives.
Curriculum and Content Development
• Deliver training aligned with Aspire policies, regulatory requirements, evidence-based practices, and quality standards.
• Create original learning materials, including:
o Facilitator guides
o Job aids
o Checklists
o Quick-reference guides
o Videos
o Frequently asked questions
• Apply adult learning principles to promote engagement, knowledge retention, and on-the-job performance.
• Analyze feedback, trends, and operational changes to improve training content and delivery methods.
• Share effective training practices and resources across programs, schools, and departments.
Technology and Systems Training
• Deliver training on systems such as Therap, Relias, UKG, Microsoft 365, and other assigned platforms.
• Serve in system administration roles, such as Super Admin, when assigned.
• Support employees and managers in accessing and using training resources.
• Provide follow-up assistance, refresher training, and implementation support for system updates.
New-Hire Onboarding and Manager Development
• Organize and facilitate the All On Board onboarding program.
• Support new hires throughout the onboarding process.
• Partner with Human Resources and organizational leaders to support manager development in areas such as:
o Supervision
o Documentation
o Scheduling
o Basic financial processes
o Compliance expectations
o Employee performance support
Training Compliance and Documentation
• Track and maintain accurate employee training records.
• Use systems such as Therap and Relias to document training completion and compliance.
• Support accurate reporting and follow-up related to required training.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Operations, Clinical Services, Children’s Services,
• People & Culture, Finance, Compliance, and other departments.
• Participate in meetings, workgroups, and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Aspire’s operational and service goals.
Decision-Making and Scope of Responsibility
The Training Specialist exercises discretion and independent judgment when:
• Selecting instructional methods and adapting content for different audiences.
• Prioritizing training activities based on organizational needs.
• Interpreting policies, regulations, and quality standards.
• Developing training and performance improvement recommendations.
• Determining when an issue requires a solution beyond training.
• Managing field visits, scheduling, and day-to-day training activities under general direction from the Regional Training Manager.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in training, education, human services, organizational development, business, or
• a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Two to three years of experience in human services, employee training, education, quality assurance,
• organizational development, or a related field.
• Experience facilitating training for adult learners required.
• Experience working in or supporting residential, day, school, clinical, community-based, or administrative service environments preferred.
• Experience creating training materials and using learning management, documentation, or
• compliance systems preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a background check required.
Skills and Abilities
• Strong in-person and virtual facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to translate complex policies, systems, and regulations into clear, practical instruction.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and effective instructional design.
• Strong relationship-building, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written communication and content development abilities.
• Ability to use data, observations, and feedback to identify trends and training needs.
• Strong organization, prioritization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Comfort using technology and learning new software systems quickly.
• Ability to work independently while aligning with team and organizational priorities.
• Commitment to person-centered services, inclusion, quality, continuous improvement, and Aspire’s mission.
Working Conditions
• Regular travel to Aspire locations throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
• Frequent use of computers, video conferencing platforms, office equipment, and other technology.
• Physical activity may include standing, presenting, walking through work environments, and
• lifting materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations are available as needed.
Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision