As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

At the University of Washington School of Social Work, we commit ourselves to promoting social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and enhancing the quality of life for all. We strive to maximize human welfare through education, research, and public service. We embrace our position of leadership in the field of social work and join in partnership with others in society committed to solving human problems in the twenty-first century.

The UW and the School of Social Work promote diversity and inclusivity among our staff, faculty and students; we seek applicants for this position who are committed to these principles and whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage with audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence (The Alliance) is a partnership between the UW School of Social Work; Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families; Eastern Washington University School of Social Work; UW Tacoma School of Social Work and Criminal Justice; and Partners for Our Children.

The Alliance works to increase the capacity of Washington’s social workers, partners and foster caregivers to support community wellness. We provide education and programs in a variety of modalities so that each learner can retain the skills needed to continue to succeed.

The mission of the Alliance is, “Through innovative and accessible training and supports, we empower those caring for and serving families and communities to provide anti-racist, culturally relevant, trauma-informed service.” Learn more at https://risewiththealliance.org/.

The Alliance has an outstanding opportunity for an Excellence in Facilitation Lead to join their team.

As a skilled facilitation expert, the Excellence in Facilitation Lead builds and maintains key relationships with Alliance Development and Facilitation Specialists serving as mentor and guide in their evolution as a skilled practitioner in workforce and caregiver development. This position also maintains key relationships with DCYF, SSW, and community partners and represents the Alliance in various meetings requiring the individual to have excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills. This position is also responsible for leading the coordination of subject matter expertise, providing coaching, mentorship, and support to Alliance staff.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum development

Work in partnership with state, tribal, caregiving, and community professionals to review and revise existing learning materials and develop new and innovative curriculum and supporting materials.

Apply effective adult learning methodologies and techniques in developing curriculum and training resources using measurable objectives and innovation evaluative measures.

Participate in ongoing curriculum content and delivery reviews, evaluations, and observations to ensure that materials and content are accurate, effective, and meet the training needs of the audience and external partners.

Work directly with other Alliance staff, contractors and community partners in the creation of effective implementation and facilitation of curriculum.

Facilitation skills and evaluation

Master facilitation skills for varied and diverse learners, including workforce, caregivers, lay advocates and others to ensure that measurable outcomes in values, knowledge and skill acquisition are being achieved.

Facilitate small and large group discussions while applying classroom management principles for diverse learners.

Understand and apply effective techniques to ensure outcomes are achieved.

Coordinate evaluation, education, training and coaching activities statewide.

Prepare and adapt materials from accepted professional and educational sources for staff use in on-the-job training.

Study and review state of the art informational materials concerning best practices, new training methods and techniques.

Facilitate education and training logistics when needed.

Participate and collect evaluation and outcome data.

Collaboration and building relationships

Network with local community agencies to promote and leverage resources in carrying out the Alliance mission and values.

Work as a statewide team within the UW SSW Alliance in fulfilling and maximizing its mission, vision, and guiding principles, and specifically in curriculum development and delivery of training for child welfare and partner agencies.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, colleagues and partners.

Participate in statewide workgroups related to all levels of trainings or other related topics.

Subject matter expertise

Maintain knowledge and expertise of innovations in adult learning and group facilitation.

Work diligently to evolve the knowledge and skill development of Alliance facilitation specialists.

Convene meetings and create communications to foster excellence in establishing psychological safety, active listening, clear communication and engagement of adult learners for Alliance staff.

Serve as a mentor to new Alliance Development and Facilitation staff.

Participate in onboarding of Alliance staff.

Lead the statewide coordination of subject matter expertise in the area of group facilitation, effective discussions and fostering the participation of learners.

Collaborate with CQA team to ensure application of most updated facilitation standards and expectations

Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A Master's degree in Social Work or related field.

At least 2 years of related work experience facilitating professional development for adult learners for the Alliance.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of the principles and theory of adult learning and experience applying them to learner centered curriculum, materials and group facilitation.

Knowledge of training presentation and facilitation methodologies and techniques.

Experience facilitating diverse learning groups.

Knowledge of the regional social, economic and environmental issues, differences and disparities which might affect the way in which training is offered and presented.

Experience in working with diverse stakeholders including those with lived experience of power and powerlessness in social service, child welfare and protective services.

Ability to work cooperatively with peers, supervisors, program managers to achieve organizational goals.

Ability to make reasonable judgments in a complex and changing organizational environment.

Expertise in building relationships with clients, staff and community partners; modeling and mentoring professional interactions and sharing constructive feedback leading to desired programmatic results and better outcomes for children and families.

Ability to utilize research in the areas of child welfare, social work practice, the impacts of trauma and systemic racism in curriculum development and facilitation.

Work both independently and cooperatively with managers, supervisors and field staff to achieve outcomes.

Equivalent experience may substitute for degree requirement.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of child welfare practice in Washington State and national issues and practice standards.

Demonstrable working understanding of safety and risk assessment, family preservation, principles of family-centered and child-focused practice, and principle and strategies for family engagement.

Experience working directly with foster parents or other caregivers in their caretaking role, or personal experience as a foster parent.


Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.