The Child Welfare Supervisor Training Specialist is responsible for leading and sustaining a comprehensive professional development program for Supervisors within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF). This role ensures that supervisory practice is grounded in effective child welfare standards, supported through high‑quality training, and continuously strengthened to meet evolving organizational needs. Key Responsibilities include:
Program Leadership and Continuous Improvement: Oversee an established supervisor training and development program, ensuring its relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the needs of OCYF supervisory staff; Evaluate and enhance program components to reflect emerging best practices, organizational priorities, and workforce development needs; and, Apply an established organizational framework to guide the training, development, and ongoing support of child welfare supervisors.
Leadership Academy Management: Direct the logistics, coordination, and delivery of the annual Leadership Academy; and, Manage all major components of the academy, including participant recruitment, instructor-led sessions, recruitment and development of coaches, implementation of 360-degree evaluations, and oversight of the applied learning change‑project initiative.
Supervisor Preparation and Ongoing Development: Design and deliver a comprehensive onboarding program for newly promoted supervisors; Provide ongoing education, coaching, and professional (individualized and group) support for experienced supervisors; Ensure clear communication and training on supervisory roles, responsibilities, procedures, and protocols; and, Facilitate structured peer learning opportunities such as learning labs, peer case reviews, and problem-solving forums.
Training Delivery and Instructional Support: Oversee the sustainability of a training model that offers individualized and group instruction and diverse learning modalities, including simulation-based and team-based learning; Facilitate group learning activities, coaching opportunities, and practice-focused sessions that strengthen supervisory skills and promote transfer of learning; and, Guide supervisors through critical thinking processes and support them in applying skills to real‑world supervisory practice.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Organizational Contribution: Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to maintain program quality and consistency; Demonstrate strong initiative and self-direction, identifying and launching projects that enhance training effectiveness beyond established expectations; and, Communicate proactively and professionally across all levels of the organization.
Qualifications include: Minimum of 10 years of experience in child welfare or training, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role; Strong interpersonal, technology, writing, project management, and collaboration skills; Demonstrated adaptability, creativity, self-motivation, and initiative; and, Pennsylvania certification as a Direct Service Supervisor preferred.
This position is located at the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families in Penn Hills, PA. Local travel throughout Allegheny County is required.
The University offers: • A robust retirement savings plan option, including • 100% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay • 150% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay after vesting. • Enhanced University match for those nearing retirement • 11 Paid Holidays • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days • Additional Paid Time Off (Winter Recess) during the period between Christmas and the New Year • Paid Parental Leave • Above-average Employer Contribution toward Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, and LTD insurance plans • Flexible Work Schedules.
Determines training needs, develops instructional programs to meet management and employee requirements, and conducts studies to determine program effectiveness. Coordinates and conducts courses and seminars and compiles training manuals and other aids.
Must be able to travel long distances on a frequent basis, lift up to 30 pounds, set up and prepare audiovisual equipment for meetings and presentations, stand for up to 3 hours, and be able to climb stairs.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Training Specialist
- Job Family: Academic & Student Services
- Job Sub-Family: Academic Services
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
- Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Minimum of 10 years of experience in child welfare or training, including at least 5 years in a supervisory role. Pennsylvania certification as a Direct Service Supervisor preferred.
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
- Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
- Required Documents: Resume
- Optional Documents: Cover Letter, Writing Sample