Training Specialist

At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.

FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Bel Air, MD
Reports To: Regional Training Manager 
Compensation: $50,000 Yearly
Schedule: M - F 8a - 4p

Job Purpose: 

The Training Specialist delivers and supports practical, applied training that enables Aspire employees to perform effectively in their roles. This position works closely with programs, schools, administrative teams, and Quality Assurance to ensure training is accessible, relevant, and aligned with operational, quality, and regulatory expectations in accordance with best and evidence based practice. 

The role is grounded in field presence, collaboration, and translating policies, systems, and standards into clear, real-world practice. The Training Specialist exercises discretion and independent judgment in assessing organizational training needs, designing and developing solutions, and advising leadership and managers on training and performance improvement matters that directly support Aspire’s business operations. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Training Delivery & Facilitation 

• Facilitate required, role-specific, and assigned training programs across Aspire’s service lines. 

• Deliver training in multiple formats, including in-person, virtual, onsite, and small-group settings. 

• Support onboarding programs such as All On Board and other new hire training initiatives. 

• Exercise discretion in selecting and adapting facilitation methods to meet the needs of diverse adult learners across frontline, clinical, educational, and administrative roles. 

• Provide coaching, observational feedback, and skill-building support for employees and managers. 

• Participate in agency-wide training initiatives, including micro-trainings during community meetings. 

Field Based Practice Support 

• Maintain a regular presence in programs, schools, offices, and team environments to understand current practices. 

• Deliver training and coaching within real work settings to reinforce application of skills. 

• Support supervisor in observing practice and providing feedback to support performance improvement and assess competency. 

• Share relevant observations with leadership and Quality partners to support follow-up and improvement efforts. 

Training Needs Assessment & Quality Partnership 

• Independently identify, analyze, and prioritize training needs through observation, feedback, quality reviews, and operational data. 

• Participate in meetings and cross-functional forums to understand emerging needs. 

• Design and implement practical solutions to identified gaps, including training sessions, job aids, and coaching. 

• Interpret and respond to regulatory changes, system updates, and quality concerns, determining the appropriate training response. 

• Evaluate and escalate issues that require solutions beyond training, exercising judgment about organizational impact. 

Content & Curriculum Development 

• Deliver training materials aligned with Aspire policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. 

• Design, develop, and create original tools such as facilitator guides, job aids, checklists, quick-reference materials, videos, and FAQs. 

• Ensure content reflects adult learning principles and supports engagement, retention, and on-the-job application. 

• Analyze feedback, trends, and operational changes to continuously evaluate and improve training materials and methods. 

• Share effective practices and resources across programs, schools, and departments to reduce duplication and increase consistency. 

Technology & Systems Training 

• Deliver training on systems including Therap, Relias, UKG, Microsoft 365, and other assigned platforms. 

• Serve in systems roles (e.g., Super Admin) as assigned. 

• Support employees and managers in accessing and using training resources effectively. 

• Provide follow-up support, refresher sessions, and training for system updates and implementations 

All on Board and Ongoing Onboarding Support 

• Organize and facilitate All On Board program, ensuring new hires are supported throughout the process. 

• Advise and partner with HR and leadership to support manager development in areas such as supervision, documentation, scheduling, finance basics, and compliance expectations. 

Training Compliance & Documentation 

• Track and maintain accurate training records using systems such as Therap and Relias. 

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 improvement initiatives. 

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs. 

Scope of Judgment & Decision-Making 

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in determining instructional methods, adapting content, and prioritizing training activities in alignment with organizational objectives. 

• Interprets policies, regulations, and quality standards to develop and adjust training approaches without step-by-step direction. 

• Advises leadership and makes recommendations regarding training priorities, curriculum design, and performance improvement strategies. 

• Operates under general direction from the Regional Training Manager, independently managing field presence, scheduling, and day-to-day training decisions. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience). 

• 2–3 years of experience in human services, training, education, quality, or related areas. 

• Experience working in or supporting service environments (residential, day, school, clinical, or administrative settings) preferred. 

• Experience facilitating training for adult learners required. 

• Experience developing training materials and using training or documentation systems preferred. 

• Valid driver’s license and successful background check required. 

Skills & Abilities 

• Strong facilitation and presentation skills (in-person and virtual). 

• Ability to translate complex information into clear, practical training. 

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and effective training design. 

• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills. 

• Clear written communication and content development ability. 

• Ability to use data and feedback to identify trends and inform training. 

• Strong organization, prioritization, and attention to detail. 

• Comfort with technology and ability to learn new systems quickly. 

• Ability to work independently while aligning with team priorities. 

• Commitment to person-centered services, inclusion, quality, and Aspire’s mission 

Working Conditions 

• Hybrid work including office-based, virtual, and onsite environments. 

• Regular travel to Aspire locations is required. 

• Occasional evening, early morning, weekend, or overnight work may be required. 

• Routine use of technology and office equipment. 

• Physical activity may include standing, presenting, and lifting materials up to 10 pounds. 

• Reasonable accommodations provided 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 Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.