Training Specialist

Project Renewal is a leading non-profit organization with the mission of building supportive communities where people achieve dignity and independence, renewing their lives with health, homes, and jobs. Our comprehensive and integrated 24/7 programs are designed to offer the holistic care our clients need. With a staff of 950+ and an annual budget of $140 million, Project Renewal is one of the larger social service nonprofits in New York City.

Title: Training Specialist

Program: Human Resources, Training & Development

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

Schedule: Onsite, Hybrid

Reports To: Senior Director of Training & Development

Overall Responsibilities:

Specialists are primarily responsible for providing CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training to Project Renewal employees as an essential component of the agency’s training and orientation program. The Training Specialist provides ongoing CPI reinforcement, coaching, and de-escalation training across the agency to support staff in responding safely and effectively to challenging situations.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, the Training Specialist supports other Learning & Development initiatives based on departmental needs and capacity, including facilitating additional staff trainings, developing training materials, and assisting with administration of the agency’s Relias Learning Management System (LMS).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Training Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Provide CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training to Project Renewal staff in accordance with agency training requirements and CPI standards.
• Provide follow-up training, skills reinforcement, and coaching in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and de-escalation to staff throughout the agency in collaboration with other certified trainers.
• Maintain CPI training records and support scheduling, tracking, and monitoring of CPI certification and renewal requirements.
• Travel to Project Renewal sites to provide onsite CPI, de-escalation, and other program-specific training based on identified needs.
• Work a later shift (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. or 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) up to two days per month to provide training to staff working evening shifts.
• Support routine administration of the Relias LMS, including maintaining training records, managing course assignments and completions, tracking compliance, generating reports, and assisting staff and supervisors with basic LMS questions.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Training & Development, develop and adapt training materials, reinforcement tools, job aids, and other resources to support staff learning and skill development.
• As departmental needs and capacity allow, facilitate interactive in-person and virtual workshops on topics that may include Trauma-Informed Care, Client Engagement, Documentation, Professional Boundaries, Harm Reduction, Risk Assessment, Time Management, Utilizing Supervision, and other topics aligned with agency needs.
• Participate in weekly supervision with the Senior Director of Training & Development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree in a human services field, such as Social Work or Mental Health Counseling, is preferred but not required.
• Minimum of two years of experience providing training and facilitating learning in a human services setting is required.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders is strongly preferred.
• Current CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor certification is strongly preferred. Candidates who are not currently certified must be willing and able to complete CPI instructor certification as required by Project Renewal.
• Experience using a Learning Management System is preferred, particularly experience with Relias or a similar system.

Skills & Competencies:

• Training and Facilitation: Strong knowledge of adult-learning practices and the ability to lead interactive, skills-based training for frontline employees, supervisors, and staff across different programs.
• Communication: Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to explain information clearly, provide practical coaching, and communicate effectively in writing and in conversation.
• Learning Management Systems and Technology: Comfortable using computers, virtual meeting platforms, presentation equipment, and training technology to develop and deliver materials. Able to manage course assignments, completions, training records, compliance tracking, and reports in an LMS.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to build positive working relationships with staff at all levels, encourage participation, listen actively, and respond professionally to questions and different learning needs.
• Organization and Time Management: Strong attention to detail and the ability to prepare for multiple trainings, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and manage changing priorities.
• Adaptability and Judgment: Able to adjust training methods and materials based on the audience, program needs, and feedback while maintaining agency and CPI standards.
• Collaboration: Able to work closely with the Senior Director of Training and Development, certified trainers, program leaders, supervisors, and other departments to coordinate and reinforce training.
• Community Navigation: Willing and able to travel throughout New York City to deliver onsite training at Project Renewal locations.

Physical Activities:

• Hybrid work setting, including office-based, virtual, and onsite work at Project Renewal programs, shelters, residential sites, and other agency locations.
• Regular travel to Project Renewal locations throughout New York City is required.
• Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with a minimum of three days onsite. Additional onsite days and up to two later shifts per month may be required based on training and coverage needs.
• Regular use of computers, phones, virtual meeting platforms, presentation equipment, the Relias Learning Management System, and other training technology is required.
• The role requires standing, presenting, facilitating interactive sessions, and demonstrating CPI and de-escalation techniques for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

EEO Statement: 

Project Renewal provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PRI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Birch Family Services expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Project Renewal employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.