Training Specialist I

Description Position Summary: The Training Specialist I is responsible for delivering high-impact, equity-driven training within the organization and with external partners to support Roots’ mission of uplifting and empowering high-priority, marginalized communities. Operating under the supervision of the Roots Training Manager, this role focuses on preparing, facilitating, and evaluating comprehensive training programs. This includes supporting the delivery of foundational classroom curriculum for the Community Health Worker (CHW) program, assisting with administering standard Workforce Development training, and facilitating sessions for specialized certifications like Adult Mental Health First Aid. By collaborating with subject matter experts and program managers, the Training Specialist I ensures all staff, trainees, and partners are equipped with the pedagogical, clinical, and interpersonal competencies required to mitigate social determinants of health (SDOH).

Duties And Responsibilities

• Training Delivery & Facilitation: Conduct dynamic, interactive training sessions using diverse instructional methodologies that emphasize repetition, peer-to-peer modules, and active student "teach-backs".

• CHW Curriculum Execution: Facilitate the 45-to-48-hour classroom training footprint across core instructional dimensions, including client engagement, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and toxic stress analysis.

• Universal Training Administration: Lead the execution of Roots Universal Training modules required for organizational onboarding:

• Roots History: Anchoring new employee hires in the organization's mission, values, and community rituals.

• Epidemiology: Introducing localized health disparities and health literacy trends within target zones like East Oakland.

• Interpersonal/Professional Skills: Delivering the Professionalism Suite to cultivate workplace success, boundary setting, and compliance standards.

• Mental Health First Aid Integration: Conduct protocol-driven training and certifications in Adult Mental Health First Aid to prepare participants to respond to acute psychiatric and substance use crises.

• Workforce Development Support: Support specialized workforce initiatives to transition staff and community members into sustainable healthcare careers, reinforcing the CHW track as a lifelong professional path.

• Collaborative Design & Adaptability: Partner with subject matter experts to adapt instructional content to align with the Community Health Worker national standard frameworks.

• MAA & Regulatory Literacy Integration: Incorporate knowledge of Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) billing, state Medi-Cal eligibility navigation, complex care management, and mandatory reporting laws into routine instruction.

• Impact Evaluation & Record Keeping: Assist in evaluating training efficacy through mock office simulations and structured assessments, maintaining precise tracking systems for trainee participation, hours credit, and completion records.

• Administrative Support: Attend department and staff meetings as necessary to align instruction with broader Learning standard operating procedures.

Requirements Core Competencies:

• Presentation & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to guide group discussions, manage professional environments, and lead community rituals.
• Clinical/Community Framework Experience: Proven experience implementing training within a clinical setting, healthcare navigation network, or community health framework.
• Technical & Regulatory Proficiency: Comfort utilizing e-learning platforms, digital tools, and electronic medical records navigation systems, while preserving critical ethical standards such as HIPAA and the ADA.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple training cohorts, deadlines, and pre-designed curricula simultaneously.
• Cultural Humility & Adaptability: Ability to pivot delivery based on stakeholder needs, maintaining a firm commitment to empowering communities of African and Indigenous descent.