The salary range for this position is $5,720-$6,350 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

WHO WE ARE

Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing around 70,000 learning experiences to health and human service professionals annually, the Academy creates experiences with the mission to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities. The Academy continues to grow with new programs and provide a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. 

When you join the Academy team you can expect to contribute to an inclusive and innovative environment where the sharing of ideas, perspectives, and experiences is welcomed and encouraged. In applying for a position at the Academy, we invite you to consider our Core Values and our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Academy is committed to the recruitment of individuals who represent the full diversity of our community. We recognize that experience and skills related to the position may have been acquired via life experiences, work, and/or education and training. We are interested in learning more about your unique experiences and how they might contribute to our mission. We invest in people to create an innovative work environment that promotes well-being and a culture that builds on and fosters the strengths of its staff and their intersectional identities.

WHAT OUR TEAM DOES WITHIN THE ACADEMY

The Tribal STAR Program provides interdisciplinary training and technical assistance to support collaborative partnerships that improve outcomes for tribal foster youth and ensure ICWA compliance. The program focuses on connecting tribal youth to culture, community, and resources while promoting best practices in child welfare. Its initiatives target child welfare professionals at all levels to enhance services for Native American families.

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY PEOPLE WORK

• The Workforce Development Specialist plays a key role in supporting workforce development initiatives by collaborating closely with the Tribal STAR program team and partners. Responsibilities include organizing, convening, and facilitating workgroups and meetings with stakeholders to promote effective coordination and collaboration. The specialist is also responsible for writing, revising, and refining curriculum to align with program goals and workforce needs.
• In addition to curriculum development, the specialist delivers approximately 12 days of classroom training per year and provides individual and group coaching to learners as needed, based on program deliverables. The role also involves building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with county, Tribal, regional, and state stakeholders; demonstrating political acumen; managing stakeholder communications; and working closely with the Tribal STAR team to ensure successful program implementation.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

You will be responsible for: 

• Facilitating pre-assessments, analyzing data to develop learning objectives, developing and/or revising curriculum, and maintaining updated workforce training materials. Piloting, assessing, and refining curriculum and workforce development materials for in-person and virtual learning.
• Convening, training, and facilitating workgroups, delivering classroom training (approx. 12 days/year), and providing workforce development coaching.
• Building strong stakeholder relationships, managing communications, and collaborating with the Tribal STAR team on marketing and outreach.
• Stay informed on ICWA and other policy developments, participate in workforce evaluation and research, and engage in regional/statewide workgroups.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison with key partners, ensuring collaboration and alignment with workforce development goals.
• Contribute to Academy committees, meetings, training, and special projects as needed.

HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR WORK

This is a 40-hour-a-week, full-time position, working M-F from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m., and is based on contract funding subject to annual renewal. The position is subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside of normal business hours including weekends and evenings. This position requires you to live in California, is a hybrid position working some days onsite, up to 3 days/week at the San Diego and/or Riverside site, and some days up to 2 days/week remote. This position has a regular on-site work location of the San Diego office. 

Note: some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.

The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.

The Academy is currently working to update employee classifications. This position may be subject to a future classification change, however, this does not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field
• OR
• Additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year by year basis

Required Experience

• One year of experience leading or coordinating a program within the industry and/or supervising employee
• Three years of previous experience relating to the program/project management
• A master’s degree may be substituted for years of experience, up to 2 years

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD BE NICE IF YOU HAVE

• Master's degree in Health and Human Services field, or related field
• Two years experience working with Native American communities
• Three years of previous experience relating to the program/project management
• 2+ years working in child welfare, Indian child welfare, social work or related field
• 5+ years working with Native American Communities
• Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional  design and current workforce development trends
• Ability to develop curricula in a variety of modalities

THE SKILLS NEEDED

You will thrive in the position if you: 

• Have expertise in adult learning theory, instructional design, and workforce development trends.
• Can develop curricula across multiple modalities.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, colleagues, and training participants.
• Work well independently and as part of a team.
• Possess strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Foster collaboration and build strong working relationships.
• Show motivation, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Skilled in partnering with Tribal Nations through meaningful engagement, consultation, and collaboration

TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

• You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. 
• Read the job application carefully. For more info, see the full Job Description.
• Make sure your application is complete, including a resume and cover letter describing your fit to the position. 

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• The salary range for this position is $5,720-$6,350 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 
• This position is open until filled.
• To receive full consideration, a cover letter describing your fit to the position and resume must be included with your application. 
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.