Learning Specialist

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a dynamic, innovative, and well-respected organization founded in 1980 that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families through safe shelter and comprehensive services; delivers prevention and intervention programs that break cycles of violence and poverty; and actively works for sustainable systemic change. URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence (DV) shelter and services in New York State, and is the largest provider in the United States of DV shelter services, as well as a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families. URI has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among leadership, staff, and clients at residential and nonresidential sites across New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

URI’s QIET Department is seeking a dynamic, collaborative Learning Specialist to join the learning team. The learning team seeks to deepen and elevate the knowledge, skills, and performance of URI staff through training, skills labs & self-directed learning. We are dedicated to fostering and modeling a learning mindset through a range of professional development activities. The Learning Specialist serves as a Trainer for instructor-led sessions and the learning team’s point-person for new employee orientation along with our People & Culture Department. The Learning Specialist will help develop engaging content based on the needs of the organization, manage data and reports, deliver live training sessions (both in-person and online), and be an active, participatory member of the learning team.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Training:

• Deliver live, instructor-led sessions in-person (or online as needed) at a variety of program locations throughout NYC on topics related to organizational development, social services, engagement skills, and trauma-informed/resilience-informed approaches.
• Collaborate with leaders to schedule live, instructor-led sessions to be held in person at program sites and URI’s Hub.
• Deliver Adult and Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid training sessions for staff and complete required preparation and follow-up tasks with the affiliated provider.
• Use data to engage in outreach efforts.
• Uphold training policies and procedures and provide appropriate follow-up after sessions are held, especially if concerning behaviors are observed.
• Support and/or lead the coordination of training sessions provided by external entities.
• Manage data and reports housed in the LMS.
• Track registration and attendance via the LMS.

Onboarding:

• Serve as the learning team’s point person for URI’s New Employee Welcome Week (NEWW).
• Collaborate on the development of role/area-specific training programs for new employees based on existing and new content and that supports standardization of URI program work.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Learning and People & Culture department to develop and update role-specific onboarding plans for staff across the organization.

Needs Assessment:

• Collaborate with learning team members, QIET, program leaders, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to assess learning needs.
• Make recommendations to program leaders about appropriate training sessions and skills labs for their teams based on articulated needs.
• Implement the results from analysis of evaluation and survey data.

Curriculum Development:

• Support the development of large-group training sessions and small-group skills labs based on the needs of the organization.
• Develop, review and update content for self-paced (asynchronous) courses on URI’s learning management system (LMS), including voice-over and video-recorded content.
• Conduct research on best practices and prepare materials to support learning activities.

Learning Team:

• Serve as a collaborative member of the learning team by actively communicating, attending regular meetings, and working together on team projects.
• Participate in organizational initiatives and work groups as needed.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a range of staff across the organization.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development to deepen knowledge and skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master of Social Work, mental health counseling, or related field preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 3-4 years of experience delivering training, preferably including training implemented via online platforms.
• Experience working in a social service setting, case management experience preferred.
• Willingness to become certified as a CPR, AED, and First Aid training instructor.
• Requires a deep commitment to URI’s mission and core values, a true passion for learning and professional development, and experience identifying the learning needs of professionals.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence and/or homelessness within and against disenfranchised communities including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health issues.
• Proven training and facilitation skills with a dynamic classroom presence and ability to make content relevant and engaging for adult participants.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches, domestic violence, and homelessness.
• Knowledge of the principles of training and adult learning.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with all levels of staff; ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to focus on details and effectively prioritize tasks to ensure their timely completion.
• Eager to learn and grow professionally.
• Fluency in Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to follow the appropriate industry regulations.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to regularly travel to program sites within New York City (Bronx, Harlem, Queens & Brooklyn).
• May be required to work some evenings and weekends.
• May be required to sit for long periods.
• Will be required to read information on computer screen.
• Will be required to use computer keyboard and mouse.
• Will be required to look at computer screen for long periods of time.
• May occasionally have to lift up to 10 pounds.

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local la